[Evaluation of some thin-layer chromatography procedures for the identification and detection of impurities of hormonal steroids].

: The thin-layer chromatography methods described in Volume 2 of the "European Pharmacopeia" were tested to determine the most suitable methods for the identification of hormonal steroids and for the detection of impurities in these substances. The methods are based on partition chromatography for identification and on adsorption chromatogr aphy for the detection of impurities. Other adsorption methods developed by the authors were also tested. The study was conducted on 44 steroids, belonging to the groups of androgens, estrogens, progestinic and corticoid steroids. 9 chromatographic methods based on adsorption, 2 in bidimensional succession, and 7 methods based on partit ion were used. The work was carried out in 6 laboratories. The findings are summarized in 18 tables and illustrated in 13 figures. They were also processed by statistical methods in order to assess the reproducibility of the tests.