This study is based on facile modification of carbon surfaces with syringaldazine, which can be later easily monitored electrochemically. As the modification is very stable in buffer solutions but the compound tends to detach in more complex media (e.g. cell medium), we thought it would be an excellent probe to check different protective layers. To take advantage of this fast, one step modification electrodes through adsorption from ethanolic solution electrodes should be made from carbon.