The electrochemical behaviour of selected primary bile acids (cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and muricholic acid) in acetonitrileperchloric acid media with minimal water content was studied using cyclic voltammetry. They possess 7 hydroxyl group on the steroid core and provide an anodic voltammetric signal.
However, in this study conditions necessary for the formation of the cathodic signal of these bile acids possessing 7 hydroxyl group in the region of negative potentials were studied. It has been recognized that signal development is dependent on the presence of oxygen in the measured solution and the value of positive potential applied prior the cathodic scan leading to bile acid oxidation.
The study was performed on a boron doped diamond electrode.