A Novel Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Gabapentin in Pharmaceutical Formulations Using 2,5-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde

A highly simple, rapid, sensitive and selective method is developed for spectrophotometric determination of gabapentin in pure form as well as in pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the formation of a yellow Schiff base derived from the condensation of gabapentin drug (1-amino methyl) cyclo hexane acetic acid and 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHBA) exhibiting a maximum absorbance at 445 nm. The composition, molar absorptivity and effect of different excipient have been determined spectrophotometrically. Under optimized experimental conditions, Beer’s law is obeyed in the concentration range 2.57 37.25 μg/ml. The method is validated with respect to accuracy, precision, limit of detection and limit of quantification. The Sandell sensitivity, correlation coefficient and regression equation are calculated. The equilibrium constant and free energy change using Benesi-Hildebrand plot are also determined. The Schiff base derived from condensation of gabapentin with DHBA is also synthesized and characterized. The condensation reaction mechanism has been proposed.