Determination of hydroperoxides in aqueous solutions containing surfactants by the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange method

Some surfactants widely used as additives in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations are susceptible to peroxidation resulting in accumulation of hydroperoxides (HP). Our investigation was aimed to study the possible influence of different surfactants on the proportionality and reproducibility of the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange method developed originally for the determination of hydroperoxides. We also attempted to apply this method to determine hydroperoxides produced radiolytically in surfactant molecules. From our preliminary studies we conclude that the method can be applied for determination of hydroperoxides in systems containing non-ionic or anionic surfactants provided careful calibration is performed for each surfactant.