Chemiluminescence determination of some local anaesthetics

The analytical possibilities of the Chemiluminescence observed from some local anaesthetics on acidic permanganate treatment are investigated. Five drugs belonging to the p-aminobenzoate series gave significant emission and the reagent concentrations for their determination were optimized. The following detection limits were obtained: benzocaine, 30 ng ml−1; butacaine, 20 ng ml−1; butoform, 30 ng ml−1; procaine, 40 ng ml−1 and tetracaine 3 ng ml−1. The application of the reaction to the analysis of some pharmaceutical preparations containing benzocaine and procaine was evaluated.