Sequential identification of organic dyes using the voltammetry of microparticles approach

An electrochemical method for identifying indigoid, anthraquinonic, naphtoquinonic, flavonoid, pyrone, pyran, and other related dyes in microsamples from works of art is reported using the voltammetry of microparticles methodology. Products of solid state oxidation/reduction of dyes form a layer on the lateral faces of the dye crystals as suggested by ATR-FTIR and AFM data. This method is based on the sequential application of oxidative and reductive constant-potential polarization steps coupled with the record of square wave voltammograms to solid microsamples of dyes in contact with aqueous electrolytes.