Electrochemical oxidation behavior of Acebutolol and identification of intermediate species by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry

The electrochemical behavior of Acebutolol was examined by cyclic voltammetry and coulometry. The products of Acebutolol oxidation were then characterized by liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS). An aromatic ether cleavage reaction was observed and various intermediate species were identified. In the presence of glutathione, a series of glutathione adducts were identified enabling possible oxidation pathways of Acebutolol to be established. The obtained results are useful for predicting and understanding the oxidative Acebutolol degradation pathway.

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► Electrochemical behavior of Acebutolol and the identification of intermediate species.
► Elucidation of the electrochemical aromatic ether cleavage of Acebutolol.
► Electrochemical cell (EC) combined with liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) constitutes a powerful tool for the prediction of oxidative degradation of emerging pollutants.