Electrochemical reduction of diazepam

Abstract

The reduction of 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-1-methyl-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one at the dropping mercury electrode has been investigated. The process is diffusion controlled; furthermore, the reduction wave enables the quantitative determination of the drug both in acid and basic media. The reagent captures two electrons and two hydrogen ions. A disproportionation reaction of the hydrazo-compound takes place, and amines are the final reduction products. © 1987 Indian Academy of Sciences.