Determination of BHT in the presence of surfactants using a cellulose acetate coated electrode and square wave voltammetry

A direct voltammetric method for the rapid determination of butylated hydroxytoluene has been developed. The procedure utilizes a hydrolyzed cellulose acetate film in intimate contact with a glassy carbon electrode and square wave voltammetry. The coated electrode prevents passivation due to adsorption of polymeric oxidation products by way of a size exclusion principle. BHT solutions containing lipid-like surfactants can be analyzed without the need for frequent resurfacing of the electrode.