Kinetic-potentiometric assay of formaldehyde in pharmaceutical and industrial samples, monitored by copper solid ion selective electrode, after its reaction with the copper(II)-bis-(ethylenediamine) complex

Abstract

A kinetic-potentiometric method is described for the quantitative assay of formaldehyde (HCHO) in pharmaceutical and industrial preparations. It is based on the reaction of HCHO with (ethylenediamine)-Cu(II)-sulfate [Cu(CH2NH2)2(H2O)2] · SO4. The changes in potential, resulting from the release of the Cu(II) cations, are monitored with a Cu(II)-ion selective electrode. The calibration curve for the HCHO is linear in the concentration range 50–250 mg L−1, with a limit of detection of 8.5 mg L−1. The method shows very good reproducibility with an RSD of 2.6% for successive injections (n = 5) of 150 mg L−1 HCHO primary solution, while it is interference free. The method was successfully tested in various industrial and pharmaceutical preparations.