Cathodic stripping voltammetry of 2-mercaptoethanol

The behaviour of 2-mercaptoethanol at a hanging mercury drop electrode by cathodic stripping voltammetry (c.s.v.) is studied. The stripping curves are recorded by three scanning modes: rapid-scan direct-current, differential-pulse and fundamental harmonic alternating-current polarography. Under the recommended conditions, pre-electrolysis is done at a potential of 0.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl for 3 min in a medium of pH 6.7 or 8 (Britton-Robinson buffer). Then after 1 min, stripping is done at a scan rate of 6.6 mV s^?1 preferably in the differential-pulse mode. The stripping peak at about ?0.4 V is used to determine 2-mercaptoethanol within the concentration range 3 × 10^?8/2-8 × 10^?7 mol l^?1. Calibration functions are reported; the standard additions method is preferred near the limit of detection. The interferences of several organic compounds are described.