Poly(ethylenimine) II. Potentiometric titration behaviour in comparison with other weak polyelectrolytes

Potentiometric titration data of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and poly(vinylamine) (PVA) are presented. They are described in a phenomenological way by the procedures of Henderson‐Hasselbalch and Mandel, respectively and the conforming parameters are calculated. The values of the parameters are compared for the two polymers mutually and with literature data for other weak polyelectrolytes. Marked specific differences are indicated. These are explained in a qualitative way from the nature of the ionizable group and structure of the polymers. A more quantitative explanation will be attempted in a following paper.