Polarographic and voltammetric determination of 6-nitrobenzimidazole and mechanism of its electrochemical reduction

Abstract

Optimal conditions were found for the determination of 6-nitrobenzimidazole by tast polarography (at 1 × 10–4–1 × 10–6 mol l–1), by differential pulse polarography at dropping mercury electrode (at 1 × 10–4–1 × 10–7 mol l–1), and by differential pulse voltammetry at hanging mercury drop electrode (at 1 × 10–4–1 × 10–8 mol l–1). Practical applicability of the developed methods was verified on the determination of 6-nitrobenzimidazole in drinking water (at 10–8 mol l–1). Coulometry at constant potential and cyclic voltammetry were used for elucidation of the mechanism of electrochemical reduction.