In this paper, the detailed electrochemistry of propofol (PRO) which is one
of the intravenous agents commonly used for sedative-hypnotic purposes was
examined. In cyclic voltammetry, the agent showed one irreversible and
diffusion?controlled oxidation peak, resulting in the formation of a couple
with a reduction and re-oxidation wave at less positive potentials. The
effect of electrode pretreatment procedures on the electrochemical response
of PRO was investigated by using square wave voltammetry (SWV) and the
optimum procedure was used to improve the signal response in subsequent
studies. Quantification of PRO was done based on the first oxidation peak
using SWV. After optimization of all variables, the linear working range of
PRO was found to be between 2.5 ?g mL-1 (1.4?10-5 mol L-1) and 160.0 ?g mL-1
(1.1?10-3 mol L-1, n=15) with a detection limit 0.71 ?g mL-1 (3.9?10-6 mol
L-1). No noteworthy interference effect was detected. Also, the developed
method was used for quantification of PRO in pharmaceutical sample.