The chemiluminometric oxidation of sulphite by cerium(IV), permanganat
e, bromate and dichromate is sensitized by various bile acids. Each re
action is investigated by flow-injection chemiluminometric analysis an
d conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of each oxidant. The r
eaction with cerium(IV) allows the measurement of 2.00-20.0 mu g ml(-1
) cholic acid, 2.00-50.0 mu g ml(-1) ursodeoxycholic acid and 3.00-30.
0 mu g ml(-1) chenodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids with limits of de
tection of ca. 1 mu g ml(-1).