Abstract: A simple, sensitive and specific polarographic method is proposed, based on the catalytic hydrogen wave of Ce(IV)-Piperidine complex in the presence of NH4Cl-NH4OH at dropping mercury electrode. The Ce(IV)- Piperidine complex produce a catalytic hydrogen wave at -0.41 V Vs SCE in NH4Cl-NH4OH medium (pH~5.6) and the results are compared with DPP method. The peak height is proportional to metal ion concentration. New method has been successfully applied for the determination of cerium in water, soil and human hair samples.

Keywords: Catalytic hydrogen wave, dropping mercury electrode, Polarographic method, Cerium(IV), piper dine.