Decomposition kinetics of erythromycin A in acidic aqueous solutions

The decomposition of the antibiotic, erythromycin A, in acidic aqueous solutions has been investigated by means of a high-performance liquid chromatographic assay with ultraviolet detection at 215 nm. During decomposition erythromycin A is in equilibrium with erythromycin A enol ether and simultaneously erythromycin A is directly converted to anhydroerythromycin A. The calculations of the observed rate coefficients of the partial reactions (k1, k2 and k3) were performed using a multiparameter fitting program present in the BMDP statistical software. The decomposition kinetics have been studied as a function of the type and concentration of the buffer, ionic strength, pH and temperature. © 1989.status: publishe