Abstract:
In this study the electrochemical property of paracetamol (PAR) was investigated at a glassy
carbon electrode and activated glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and differential
pulse voltammetry were used as diagnostic techniques in the determination of paracetamol.
The activated glassy carbon electrode was prepared by activating 200 s in a time base
technique at a potential of 1750 mV. The AGCE exhibited excellent electro-catalytic
behaviour towards PAR which confirmed by the enhancement of both peak currents peak
potential shifts to less positive values by (13 mV) in comparison with GCE. The electrode
process of paracetamol was studied and some the experimental parameters which affect the
response paracetamol, such as pH, effect of PAR concentration and scan rate on AGC
electrode. The analysis of cyclic voltammogram gave fundamental electrochemical
parameters including electron transfer coefficient () and the heterogeneous rate constant
(ks). The variation of scan rate study shows that the system undergoes adsorption controlled
process. The equation of the calibration curve was found to be: Ip ( A) =0.429C (M) +
6.43, R2=0.993. The LOD and LOQ for this study were determined to be 8×10-8 mol L-1 and
2.6×10-7mol L-1 respectively. The degree of recovery for paracetamol was calculated by
adding the standard solution of PAR to paracetamol tablets and the results were found to be
105%. The effects of some interfering substances in the determination of paracetamol were
also studied and their interferences were found to be negligible which provided the selectivity
of the activated electrode.
