Simultaneous Densitometric Determination of Indomethacin and Its Degradation Products, 4-Chlorobenzoic Acid and 5-Methoxy-2-Methyl-3-Indoleacetic Acid, in Pharmaceutical Preparations

Abstract

Abstract A densitometric method was developed for the identification and determination of indomethacin and its degradation products, 4-chlorobenzoic acid and 5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-indoleacetic acid, in pharmaceuticals. To separate these compounds, silica gel-coated thin-layer chromatography plates and the following mobile phase were used: 2-propanol–25% ammonia–water (8 + 1 + 1, v/v). UV densitometric measurements were made by comparing the absorption spectra and Rf values of appropriate standards with the pharmaceutical preparations examined. The conditions for separation were established and a low detection limit was obtained. Average recoveries were 100.69, 90.09, and 91.17% for indomethacin, 4-chlorobeznzoic acid, and 5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-indoleacetic acid, respectively.