Multicommutated stepwise injection determination of ascorbic acid in medicinal plants and food samples by capillary zone electrophoresis ultraviolet detection

•Automation of the extraction of analytes from solid samples into the liquid phase.•Manifold based on multicommutated stepwise injection analysis concept.•Capillary zone electrophoresis ultraviolet detection.•Determination of ascorbic acid in medicinal plants and food samples.

An automation of the extraction of analytes from solid samples into the aqueous phase based on multicommutated stepwise injection analysis concept has been suggested. The feasibility of the approach has been demonstrated by determination of ascorbic acid as model analyte. The method includes automated extraction of ascorbic acid from solid sample into borate buffer solution pH 8 in mixing chamber during vigorous mixing by nitrogen stream, and subsequent detection by capillary zone electrophoresis at 254 nm. The method has a linear range of 0.1–5.0 mg g−1 for ascorbic acid with the LOD of 0.03 mg g−1. The sample throughput was 7 h−1. This method was applied for determination of ascorbic acid in various medicinal plants and food samples.