The described method involves separation of panthenol or pantothenate from its decomposition products and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis. The hydrolysis products are chlorinated and iodine is liberated by addition of an iodide solution. The yellow color formed is stabilized and determined colorimetrically. This method is comparable in time to existing methods and has the advantage of increased sensitivity. The colorimetric part of the procedure is also applicable to other N-H containing compounds.