Effect of carboxylate compounds on the electrochemical behavior of dopamine at a mercury electrode

The electrochemical oxidation of dopamine leads to deposition of polymeric films on the surfaces of solid state electrodes, decreasing the electrode activity. With a mercury electrode, the oxidation of dopamine occurs in the potential region of mercury oxidation. However, in the presence of carboxylic compounds the cyclic voltammogram of dopamine is different and presents a new electroactive product resulting from the oxidation of dopamine. This work describes preliminary results for the electrochemical behavior of dopamine at the Hg-electrode in the presence of acetate, citrate and EDTA.