Omeprazole determination using HPLC with coulometric detection

A sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of omeprazole and three related benzimidazoles is reported. Coulometric detection was carried out at +800 mV using a porous carbon electrode. The linear range is 0.01-10 microg/ml. The method has a high degree of precision; the relative standard deviation of omeprazole at a concentration of 1.06 microg/ml was 0.7% (n=4). The cyclic voltammogram of omeprazole is consistent with the hydrodynamic voltammogram exhibiting a single major irreversible oxidative wave with a peak potential at +1105 mV. The response factors for the four compounds are similar indicating that the oxidative process does not involve the sulfur moiety exclusively. The data are most consistent with oxidation primarily of the benzimidazole groups. The method was applied successfully to the determination of omeprazole in a paste formulation.