Electrochemical reduction of the anaesthetic gas enflurane (2-chloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether)

The electrochemical reduction of the inhalation anaesthetic agent enflurane is reported at a variety of microelectrode substrates (Au, Ag, Cu, Pt and glassy carbon) with electrode dimensions varying from 10 to 60 μm. The solvents water, dimethyl sulfoxide and acetonitrile were investigated along with the supporting electrolytes potassium chloride, tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAHFP) and various tetraalkylammonium perchlorates. The use of a gold microelectrode with dimethyl sulfoxide solvent and tetraethylammonium perchlorate (TEAP) as the supporting electrolyte was found to give well-defined voltammetry. Linear calibration curves were obtained between 0 and 2% v/v (gaseous additions) or up to 135 mM (gravimetric additions), offering scope for the development of a rapid, inexpensive electrochemical gas sensor.