Polarographic determination of deltamethrin

The electrochemical characteristics of deltamethrin have been determined by means of electrochemical techniques such as d.c. polarography, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse polarography over a wide range of pH from 2.0-12.0. The title compound exhibits a single well defined peak due to the reduction of the CC moiety present in deltamethrin. The overall reduction process is diffusion-controlled and adsorption free in nature. The variation of half-wave potential with the pH, concentration of the title compound, and other experimental conditions is described. A possible mechanism for the reduction is suggested. The number of electrons involved in the electrode reduction is two. Investigation was also undertaken for the determination of deltamethrin in vegetables and in storage bags of rice and wheat under FCI's storage system.