pH effects on the reduction of bilirubin in aqueous media

The electrochemical reduction of bilirubin at the mercury electrode was studied in aqueous media embracing an extended pH range; a variety of electrochemical techniques was used. Reduction in neutral solution results in three waves—the first a reversible adsorption prewave, followed by a pH dependent, reversible, two electron wave and finally by a one electron irreversible wave. In basic solution, only two waves are discernable: the reversible adsorption prewave, followed by a three electron wave resulting from the coalescence of the second and third waves seen in neutral solution. Familiarity with the detailed electrochemistry of bilirubin reduction provides the prerequisite basis for developing a sensitive analytical method for its determination.