Determination of furfural in an oscillating chemical reaction using an analyte pulse perturbation technique

A rapid and convenient method for the determination of furfural is presented that is based upon sequential perturbation of the Mn(II)-catalyzed B-Z oscillating system with different amounts of furfural using a continuous-flow stirred tank reactor (CSTR). When the sample was injected, the change in the amplitude and/or period was linearly proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of furfural over the range 3 x 10(-8) approximately 1 x 10(-5) mol L(-1). This method gave a detection limit of 3 x 10(-9) mol L(-1) under optimum conditions. Finally, the possible mechanism of furfural perturbation in the oscillating reaction is discussed. When the furfural was injected into the Mn(II)-catalyzed B-Z oscillating system, the change in the amplitude and/or period was linearly proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of furfural over the range 3 x 10(-8)~1 x 10(-5) mol L(-1), with a detection limit of 3 x 10(-9) mol L(-1) under optimum conditions.