Polarographic determination of deltamethrin

The electrochemical characteristics of deltamethrin have been determined by means of electrochemical techniques such as d.c. polarography, cyclic volt ammetry and differential pulse polarography over a wide range of pH from 2. 0-12.0. The title compound exhibits a single well defined peak due to the r eduction of the -C=C- moiety present in deltamethrin. The overall reduction process is diffusion-controlled and adsorption free in nature. The variati on of half-wave potential with the pH, concentration of the title compound, and other experimental conditions is described. A possible mechanism for t he reduction is suggested. The number of electrons involved in the electrod e reduction is two. Investigation was also undertaken for the determination of deltamethrin in vegetables and in storage bags of rice and wheat under FCI's storage system. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.