Differential pulse polarographic determination of poly(8-hydroxyquinoline) in the presence and absence of an insulating poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix.

The electrochemical activity of poly(8-hydroxyquinoline) (PHQ) in acid and alkaline media has been investigated by use of differential pulse polarography (DPP). The reduction peak height (I(p)) of PHQ in universal buffer solutions is not useful as an analytical signal, because it is highly affected by hydrogen evolution in acid media and appears as a small peak located at more negative potential values in alkaline media. A new and highly sensitive reduction peak (E(p)=-0.