Electrochemical Behaviour of Isoflavones Genistein and Biochanin A at a Glassy Carbon Electrode

The electrochemical behaviour of genistein and biochanin A was studied at a glassy carbon electrode by cyclic, differential pulse and square wave voltammetry. Genistein undergoes three irreversible, pH dependent oxidation reactions with the transfer of one electron and one proton from each hydroxyl group. The formation of two electroactive products that undergo reversible redox reactions was observed. Biochanin A undergoes two irreversible, pH dependent reactions due to the oxidation of the two hydroxyl groups. The electrochemical behaviour of the chemical analogue daidzein was also investigated. The electroactive centres of genistein and biochanin A were identified and their oxidation mechanisms discussed.