Determination of diltiazem based on the reduction of Cu(II)–BCA complexes in micellar medium

Abstract

A simple method was developed for determining microquantities of diltiazem, based on the reduction of copper(II) in buffered solution (pH 7.0) and the use of a micellar medium containing 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-biquinoline acid. The copper(I) produced reacts with 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-biquinoline acid and the complexes formed are spectrophotometrically measured at 558 nm. A typical calibration graph shows good linearity (r = 0.993) from 20 to 100 μg mL–1 of diltiazem. The limit of detection and relative standard deviation were calculated as 12 μg mL–1 (99% confidence level) and 3.5% (40 μg mL–1; n = 6), respectively, with a mean recovery value of 96.5% found in pharmaceutical dosages. A straightforward and effective way to recycle the reagents is addressed. The hazardous aspects of the Cu(I)–BCA reaction are presented as well.