Electrochemical behaviour of the pyrethroid insecticides

A systematic study is made of the electrochemical reduction and oxidation of eighteen pyrethroid insecticides and six model compounds. In addition the electrochemical oxidation of an insecticide synergist and the reduction of an insect repellent is studied. Oxidation and reduction mechanisms were partially or fully assigned for the the electrochemical reactions. The results indicate the presence of two oxidation sites common to the majority of pyrethroids. Specific sites of electrochemical reduction are observed for a number of pyrethroids. The electrochemical respones may be applied to the selective determination of a number pf pyrethroids synergists and repellents in commercial formulations without the requirement of pyrethroids, synergists and repellents in commerical formulations without the requirement for extensive sample preparation or the use of a separation technique.