Continuous-flow chemiluminescence determination of isoniazid by oxidation with N-bromosuccinimide.

A rapid and precise continuous-flow method is described for the determination of isoniazid (0.050-20.0 micrograms ml(-1)) based on the chemiluminescence produced during its reaction with N-bromosuccinimide in alkaline medium. The emission intensity is greatly enhanced by the presence of ammonia. The procedure is automated and samples can be analysed at a rate of 112 solutions per hour with a relative error of about 2%. When applied to tablets, the method is relatively free from interferences from common excipients and co-existing compounds. The results obtained for the assay of commercial preparations compared well with those obtained by an official chemical method and demonstrated good accuracy and precision.