Chloral hydrate as an accelerant for the Weissler reaction

The Weissler reaction, in which a potassium iodide aqueous solution is oxidized to produce triiodide ion, is a conventional means of quantifying ultrasound-induced inertial cavitation. The reaction is commonly accelerated by saturating the solution with carbon tetrachloride, thereby increasing triiodide ion yields for any given ultrasound exposure. Chloral hydrate, being less toxic and easier to handle, is an alternative accelerant that was characterized. Observed triiodide ion levels were around 11–15% of that produced with carbon tetrachloride. Chloral hydrate was shown to be less susceptible to accelerant exhaustion for prolonged measurements. Spectrophotometric measurement of triiodide ion is typically performed through absorbance measurements at 350 nm; however, there is a separate absorption peak at 288 nm. Measurements at 288 nm were strongly correlated with 350 nm measurements. Due to the greater molar absorptivity at 288 nm, Weissler reaction measurements in the future may be preferably conducted at this alternative wavelength regardless of the means of acceleration.