Potential dependent inhibition and enhancement effects of gallic acid on th
e electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of luminol in alkaline solutions were foun
d. On the basis of the enhancement effect, a flow injection method was deve
loped for the determination of gallic acid. The method was simple, convenie
nt and sensitive. A detection limit of 1.8x10(-8) mol/L, linear range of 3.
0x10(-8) 1.0x10(-4) mol/L, relative standard deviation of 1.0% for eleven m
easurements of 5.0x10(-6) mol/L of gallic acid was found. This method was s
uccessfully applied to determine the content of gallic acid in Chinese gall
(moshizi).