Critical evaluation of potentiometric redox titration in enology

Abstract

Measurements of the zero current potential of a platinum electrode immersed in solutions of tanins or in wines of various origins, were performed during the additions of a solution of Ti(III), or of a solution of dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP), in order to obtain a global indication for the resistance to oxidation of some wines. The steady state intensity–potential curves on a platinum electrode highlight the occurrence of mixed potentials between the oxidation of ethanol or catechin and the reduction of oxygen present at very low concentrations, as well as the irreversibility of the redox system Ti(IV)/Ti(III). The adsorption of various species on the platinum and the slowness of the oxidation reactions by DCPIP exclude use of potentiometric titration theory. The shape of the potential–reagent volume curves depends on the nature of the solution and on the rate of reagent introduction. Generally, due to the slowness of the oxidation reactions with DCPIP it is impossible to find a linear relationship between the volume of titrant solution necessary to reach the inflexion point of the curves and the solution composition.