Determination of micromolar bromate concentrations by adsorptive-catalytic stripping votammetry of the molybdenum-3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid complex.

Adsorptive-catalytic stripping voltammetry is commonly used for monitoring trace metals. This study reverses the scheme by developing a sensitive procedure for measuring the catalyst. The catalytic action of bromate upon the cathodic response of the adsorbed molybdenum-3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA) complex has been exploited for measuring bromate down to the micromolar concentration level. Experimental variables affecting the response, including the metal and ligand concentrations or the accumulation time and potential, were characterized and optimized to yield a highly linear response (up to at least 1x10(-4) mol l(-1)) and good precision (RSD of 3.5%; n=10; 2x10(-6) mol l(-1) bromate). Analogous adsorptive-catalytic stripping protocols may be utilized for the voltammetric detection of other catalysts.