Determination of Some Naturally Occuring Hydroxylated Anthraquinones by Differential Pulse Polarography

Abstract

Differential pulse polarographic analyses were carried out on the hydroxylated anthraquinone contents of various Rumex species growing in Turkey. Alizarin and emodin, which were extracted both from the roots and aerial parts of the plant, have been found to be the major hydroxylated anthraquinones. The analyses of them were performed together in a supporting electrolyte such as Britton-Robinson buffer pH 8.0. Linear response was observed from 0.07 to 12.0 ppm. The mechanism is based on the reversible and diffusion controlled reduction of carbonyl groups.