The reactivity of erythromycin (pure) was investigated on a gold electrode in neutral electrolyte by cyclic voltammetry. The resulting structural changes were observed with HPLC and FTIR spectroscopy by analyzing the bulk electrolyte after the electrochemical reactions. The results were compared with those previously obtained for azithromycin and clarithromycin under the same experimental conditions. It was found that the electrochemical behavior of erythromycin A differs from that of azithromycin dihydrate. Comparison with the electrochemical activity of basic clarithromycin suggests that the electrochemical activity of erythromycin is similar but more pronounced than that of clarithromycin. HPLC analysis confirmed these observations and showed that during the electrochemical oxidation of erythromycin A, the amount of starting macrolide decreased while the amount of starting impurities increased. Also some new products were observed. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that erythromycin A is more reactive than clarithromycin, although similar changes in their molecular structures were observed. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.