A polarographic and voltammetric study of some primary,secondary and tertiary thioamides of pharmaceutical importance

The d.c. polarographic, and cyclic and cathodic stripping voltammetric behaviour of some primary, secondary and tertiary thioamides based on tetrahydroquinoline, is described. Catalytic reduction occurs in all cases; the primary and secondary thioamides undergo anodic oxidation and cathodic stripping, with the formation of mercury(II) sulphide. Tertiary thioamides are not amenable to anodic electrolysis/stripping. Mechanisms for these oxidation and reduction processes are postulated. Differential pulse polarography has a limit of detection of 5 × 10^?7 M. Cathodic stripping voltammetry can be applied with a detection limit of 2 × 10^?8 M.