Computer evaluation of complex equilibria

"Why not stoichiometry" versus "stoichiometry--why not?" Part I: General context

The elementary concepts involved with stoichiometry are considered from different viewpoints. Some examples of approximate calculations made according to the stoichiometric scheme are indicated, and correct resolution of the problems involved is presented. The principles of balancing chemical equations, based on their apparent similarities with algebraic equations, are criticized. The review concerns some peculiarities inherent in chemical reaction notation and its use (and abuse) in stoichiometric calculations that provide inconsistent results for various reasons. This "conventional" approach to stoichiometry is put in context with the generalized approach to electrolytic systems (GATES) established by Michałowski. The article contains a number of proposals that could potentially be taken into account and included in the next edition of the Orange Book. Notation of ions used in this article is not, deliberately, in accordance with actual IUPAC requirements in this respect. This article is intended to be provocative with the hope that some critical debate around the important topics treated should be generated and creatively expanded in the scientific community.

Calculation of equilibrium constants from multiwavelength spectroscopic data--II: SPECFIT: two user-friendly programs in basic and standard FORTRAN 77

A new program (SPECFIT), written in HP BASIC or FORTRAN 77, for the calculation of stability constants from spectroscopic data, is presented. Stability constants have been successfully calculated from multiwavelength spectrophotometric and EPR data, but the program can be equally well applied to the numerical treatment of other spectroscopic measurements. The special features included in SPECFIT to improve convergence, increase numerical reliability, and minimize memory as well as computing time requirements, include (i) elimination of the linear parameters (i.e., molar absorptivities), (ii) the use of analytical instead of numerical derivatives and (iii) factor analysis. Calculation of stability constants from spectroscopic data is then as straightforward as from potentiometric titration curves and gives results of analogous reproducibility. The spectroscopic method has proved, however, to be superior in discrimination between chemical models.