Quantitative analysis of tylosin by column liquid chromatography

A column liquid chromatographic method suitable for the quality control of tylosin A is described. The determination can be carried out on different C₈ or C₁₈ columns, using a mobile phase containing acetonitrile, 0.2 M tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulphate, 0.2 M phosphoric acid and water. The flow-rate is 1 ml/min and detection is performed at 280 nm. The method shows good selectivity towards the major components tylosin A, B, C and D and demycinosyltylosin. Minor degradation products, mainly observed in solutions, are also separated. The compositions of several standards are compared and results for a number of commercial samples are presented.