Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on the Polarographic Maximum of Copper

Abstract

WHEN a solution of cupric sulphate and sulphuric acid in methanol is polarographed the current-voltage curve shows a pronounced maximum¹, which is sensitive to suppression by a wide variety of substances. Waterman² examined the action of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on this maximum, and reported that some carcinogenic hydrocarbons suppressed the maximum to a greater extent than did some non-carcinogenic hydrocarbons. This effect has recently been quoted by Brezina and Zuman³ as showing an established property of carcinogenic hydrocarbons: but it appears not to have been investigated further. Since Waterman compared 3,4-benzpyrene with pyrene and 1, 2-5, 6-dibenzanthracene with 3-methyl-1, 2-benzanthracene, that is, a five-ring with a four-ring compound in each case, it seemed desirable to carry out experiments with a larger range of hydrocarbons to see whether there is in fact any correlation between carcinogenicity and suppression of the copper maximum.