COMPARATIVE-EVALUATION OF 3 CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS IN THE QUALITY-CONTROL OF FATTY ALCOHOLS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL AND COSMETIC USE

Three chromatographic methods, based on capillary gas chromatography, liquid chromatography (HPLC) with refractive index detector and liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection, after derivatization with ph enylisocyanate, have been evaluated for their suitability in quality c ontrol of fatty alcohols (C12-C20) for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use . GLC method proved to be the most convenient approach, HPLC with refr actometric detector was simple and rapid but not very sensitive for th e minor components, and HPLC-UV detection with pre-column derivatizati on proved to be suitable for a reliable quality control of commercial long-chain alcohol raw materials.