Square-wave voltammetric determination of acetaldehyde in povidone

A rapid, precise, and accurate method is described for the determination of acetaldehyde in povidone (polyvinyl pyrrolidone). The sample is dissolved in a basic aqueous electrolyte and analyzed using square-wave voltammetry. The proposed method allows for direct measurement of acetaldehyde under gentle conditions, thus avoiding loss of analyte due to volatility of acetaldehyde. The method is specific for acetaldehyde in the presence of other aldehydes and povidone process impurities.