Principles of Applications of Polarography and Voltammetry in the Analysis of Drugs

Petr ZUMAN*^,°
* Clarkson University, Department of Chemistry, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA

^oCorresponding Author

Summary

To use electroanalytical methods effectively, the principles of physical and chemical processes involved in the developed procedures should be understood. To facilitate such understanding, the advantages and limitations of individual electrochemical techniques and electrode used for drug analysis should be discussed. Procedures are described that enable finding the optimum condition for analysis, based on investigation of the factors affecting the electrode process, such as the role of pH and acid-base reactions, the number of transferred electrons, reversibility of the electrode process and addition of water. Approaches used in distinguishing individual types of limiting or peak currents are discussed. A survey of reducible and oxidizable groups is given, together with a brief survey of analyzed types of drugs and other pharmaceuticals.
 

Key Words

Polarography, voltammetry, reduced organic compounds, oxidized organic compounds, pharmaceutical analysis.