A titrimetric method is described for the determination of three acetylenic hypnotics, namely ethchlorvynol, ethinamate, and methylpentynol carbamate, in bulk and in dosage forms. The method involves the use of either 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH), N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) or N-bromophthalimide (NBP) as titrants. A known excess volume of the reagent is added and, after the specified time, the residual reagent is determined iodometrically. This procedure permits semimicro determination (1-15 mg) of the drug. The procedure has been successfully applied to pharmaceutical dosage forms; the results agree well with those given by compendial methods. The stoichiometry of the reaction has been assessed and an explanation of the reaction pathway is presented.
