On-line vapor-phase generation followed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of water-soluble penicillin G in pharmaceutical formulations.

The combination of vapor-phase generation (VPG) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was performed as an alternative analytical technique for the determination of water-soluble penicillin G (PENG). Samples were transferred into a heated reactor, and a potassium iodate solution was injected into the reactor. Carbon monoxide (CO) generated under these conditions was carried via a N(2) gas carrier stream inside the IR gas cell, and the corresponding FTIR spectra were continuously recorded as a function of time. Analytical measurements were made using the maximum absorbance of the CO band at 2170 +/- 4 cm(-1). Various factors influencing the analytical signals were evaluated and selected. The figures of merit of the proposed method involve a linear calibration curve over the range of 3 to 320 mg L(-1), a limit of detection of 0.5 mg L(-1) and a precision of 2.6%. The method was successfully applied to PENG determination in pharmaceutical preparations.