Pharmaceutical Drug Analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Basics, Concepts, & Methods

Naproxen and ibuprofen (aryl propionic acid derivatives) both are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Except HPLC, no sensitive methods were reported for both the drugs. HPLC methods suffer from two drawbacks- first; requirement of costly chemicals and second; more time consuming. Because atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) methods are simple, sensitive, rapid, reproducible and uses low cost chemicals. The objective of present research work was to develop highly sensitive and economical analytical methods for the quantitative estimation of naproxen and ibuprofen in pharmaceutical formulations by AAS. The methods were based on the reaction of naproxen and ibuprofen with copper and cobalt chloride to form coloured metal complexes. These complexes were extracted with organic solvents and digested with acids. Naproxen and ibuprofen were indirectly estimated by AAS via the determination of the copper and cobalt content in the formed complexes. The proposed methods may be used for routine analysis of pharmaceutical formulations containing aryl propionic acid derivatives and similar pharmaceutical drugs by the analytical chemist.