Polarographic determination of isosorbide dinitrate.

Isosorbide dinitrate and two isomeric isosorbide mononitrates are shown to be polarographically reducible in aqueous sodium perchlorate or potassium chloride solution. The current, measured at -1.6 v, versus the saturated calomel electrode is proportional to the concentration of organic nitrate in the 10-100-mug/ml range. Inorganic nitrate produces no interference. However, the mononitrate isomers produce an additive response to isosorbide dinitrate and cannot be determined individually. The polarographic method is applicable to single-tablet assay for content uniformity determination, with precision and accuracy comparable to automated colorimetric analysis. Comparison is made between replicate analyses obtained polarographically and by IR and automated colorimetric analysis for six different commercially available formulations. The polarographic determination is sensitive, specific for nitrate esters, precise, requires little sample preparation, and utilizes relatively inexpensive apparatus.