ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTION PROCESS OF BILIRUBIN IN DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE

The electrochemical reduction behavior of bilirubin (BR) at platinum electrode in DMF was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, in situ electron spin resonance spectroscopy and in situ rapid scanning thin layer spectroelectrochemistry. Experimental results revealed that the reduction of BR firstly undergoes an ECE process: GRAPHICS The generated (BR)(2)(3-). can be re-oxidized to BR and then to purpurin (Pu) by a series of oxidation processes: GRAPHICS However, the re-reduction reactions of Pu are not the reverse processes. The different reduction mechanisms are discussed in detail.