In KOH, the Mg(II)-bromopyrogallol red (BPR) complex produced a very sensitive polarographic wave at -1.30 V. The wave height was linear with the concentration of Mg(II) in the range of 0.05 to 2 microg/mL. The detection limit was 0.01 microg/mL. The electrochemical behavior of Mg(II)-BPR was studied by electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods. Experiments proved that the polarographic wave of Mg(II)-BPR was due to the reduction of BPR in the Mg(II)-BPR complex. The method, which was sensitive, selective, and simple to perform, was used to determine magnesium in foods, and the results we...