Determination of naphthalene by single sweep polarography

A second derivative polarographic wave of naphthalene is observed in 50% N, N-dimethylformamide and ammonia-ammonium chloride medium. The peak potential is about −1.05 V (vs. SCE). The concentration of naphthalene is linear with peak current in the range of 5.00×10⁻⁶ mol/L to 5.00×10⁻⁴ mol/L, The detection limit is 2.00×10⁻⁶ mol/L. This method can be used to determine naphthalene content of the sample such as coal, mothball and asphaltic bitumen. The relative standard deviation (RSD) are in the range of 0.38%≈1.30%. The determined recoveries by adding known amounts of naphthalene to sample solution are in the range of 92%≈101%. This paper also study on the polarographic behavior of naphthalene. Biography: ZHANG Li-hua (1974-), female, Master.