The study of Rh(iii) hydroxocomplexes using capillary zone electrophoresis with a UV-Vis detector: The development of the method

The expediency of capillary zone electrophoresis application in the study of a mixture of rhodium(iii) hydroxocomplexes is shown for the species formed during the thermal treatment of [Rh(OH)₆]^3- at 60 °C in alkaline media. As these compounds are unstable in solution because of polycondensation at pH > 10 and the formation of insoluble rhodium(iii) hydroxides at pH 5-10, their acidic derivatives with terminal aqua ligands acted as the objects of the study. Optimal separation conditions were achieved using sodium perchlorate as a background electrolyte, a voltage of +20 kV and pH 2.6. Rhodium(iii) species with different nuclearities were identified in accordance with their UV spectra and the regularities of electrophoretic migration in the capillary. The presence of a dimer was also verified by the spiking of the mixture under investigation with a previously synthesised complex [Rh₂(μ-OH)₂(H₂O)₈](NO₃)₄, which confirms the correct identification.