A simple spectrophotometric method for determination of cefaclor in raw and dosage forms based on reaction with ninhydrin is developed, optimized and validated. The purple color (Ruhemenn´s purple) resulted from the reaction was stabilized and measured at 560 nm.The method optimization was essential as many procedural parameters influenced the accuracy of determination all variables including the reagent concentration, heating time, reaction temperature, color stability period, and cefaclor/ninhydrin ratio were studied in order to optimize the reaction conditions. No interference was observed from common pharmaceutical adjuvant. The developed method is easy to use, accurate and highly cost-effective for routine studies relative to HPLC and other techniques.
