ELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF CARBAMAZEPINE

Electrochemical investigations of carbamazepine (1) are carried out by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse polarography and coulometry. T he compound undergoes a quasi-reversible two electron reduction proces s at the 10,11 C=C of the heterocyclic ring, The cathodic shift in the E(pc) as pH is increased, indicates the involvement of hydrogen ions in the:redox process, a plausible EC mechanism is suggested for the pH and scan rate dependent CV profiles. The mechanism is supported by el ectronic spectroscopy and coulometry. The diffusion coefficients and c onformational isomerisation (following-reaction) rate constants are ca lculated based on Nicholson and Shain method, An analytical technique in differential pulse polarography is developed for the assaying of ca rbamazepine in various commercial drug formulations.