It is used as a reference standard in HPLCUV or LC-MS analysis for rifampicin quality control stability studies and impurity profiling in anti-tuberculosis drug manufacturing per pharmacopeial monographs.

Its primary purpose is monitoring oxidative or hydrolytic degradation pathways in rifampicin formulations ensuring total impurities remain below regulatory limits (typically 0.5% for individual degradants).

16-Hydroxyl Rifampicin Impurity (CHNO) is a hydroxylated degradation product of rifampicin featuring an additional hydroxy group at the 16-position of the rifamycin core appearing as a solid impurity standard with molecular weight 838.95 gmol.