Combined Extraction and Electrochemical Detection of Amines and Phenols Using Microelectrodes in Organic Solvents

A straightforward approach for liquid‐liquid extractive detection of aromatic amines and phenols is described based on the spontaneous transfer of the molecule from the aqueous to an organic phase and subsequent electrochemical detection in the latter phase using a microelectrode. It is demonstrated that the extent of the transfer can be modified by altering the pH of the aqueous solution and the organic solvent. It is also concluded that the presence of an ion‐pair formation agent does not increase the transfer yield for 4‐chloroaniline and phenol. The present approach combines liquid‐liquid sample clean‐up and quantification into a single step which significantly facilitates determinations of aromatic amines and phenols present in complex samples.