Simple colorimetric method for determination of thiamine hydrochloride in pharmaceuticals

A simple colorimetric method is described for the determination of thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) in dosage forms. The method is based on measurement of a yellow complex formed when thiamine HCl is treated with p-methylaminophenol sulfate (Metol) under alkaline conditions. Compounds such as vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, C, D, and E, and niacinamide, citric acid, liquid glucose, calcium pantothenate, biotin, liver extract, and folic acid do not interfere in the reaction. Extracting the complex into chloroform before quantitation enhances the stability of the reaction product and removes interference of water-soluble colored constituents in syrup samples. Statistical validation shows that the method is precise and accurate. Results agree well with those obtained by other methods in the literature.