Columns, reversed HPLC selectivity

Kirkland, J.J. Boyes, B.E. DeStefano, J.J. Changing band spacing in reversed-phase HPLC. Atechnique for varying column stationary-phase selectivity. Am.Lab., 1994, 26(14) (Sept), 36-41 [simultaneous desipramine, doxepin, trimipramine]... 

Reversed phase HPLC is only rarely used for the chromatographic resolution of saccharides however, in instances where only occasional separations are required the wide availability of reversed phase columns in many laboratories saves the purchase of a specialised carbohydrate column. Reversed phase HPLC has been used primarily for the separation of oligosaccharides and separation is dependent on the degree of polymerisation (Cheetham et al., 1981). Organic phase modifiers such as -alkylamines can be used to provide increased capacity and selectivity for saccharides (Lochmuller and Hill, 1983). 

Sugar analysis by hplc has advanced greatly as a result of the development of columns specifically designed for carbohydrate separation. These columns fall into several categories. (/) Aminopropyl-bonded siHca used in reverse-phase mode with acetonitrile—water as the eluent. (2) Ion-moderated cation-exchange resins using water as the eluent. Efficiency of these columns is enhanced at elevated temperature, ca 80—90°C. Calcium is the usual counterion for carbohydrate analysis, but lead, silver, hydrogen, sodium, and potassium are used to confer specific selectivities for mono-, di-, and... 

An on-line concentration, isolation, and Hquid chromatographic separation method for the analysis of trace organics in natural waters has been described (63). Concentration and isolation are accompHshed with two precolumns connected in series the first acts as a filter for removal of interferences the second actually concentrates target solutes. The technique is appHcable even if no selective sorbent is available for the specific analyte of interest. Detection limits of less than 0.1 ppb were achieved for polar herbicides (qv) in the chlorotriazine and phenylurea classes. A novel method for deterrnination of tetracyclines in animal tissues and fluids was developed with sample extraction and cleanup based on tendency of tetracyclines to chelate with divalent metal ions (64). The metal chelate affinity precolumn was connected on-line to reversed-phase hplc column, and detection limits for several different tetracyclines in a variety of matrices were in the 10—50 ppb range. 

Hplc techniques are used to routinely separate and quantify less volatile compounds. The hplc columns used to affect this separation are selected based on the constituents of interest. They are typically reverse phase or anion exchange in nature. The constituents routinely assayed in this type of analysis are those high in molecular weight or low in volatility. Specific compounds of interest include wood sugars, vanillin, and tannin complexes. The most common types of hplc detectors employed in the analysis of distilled spirits are the refractive index detector and the ultraviolet detector. Additionally, the recent introduction of the photodiode array detector is making a significant impact in the analysis of distilled spirits. 

Although some normal phase methods have been used, the majority of carotenoid separations reported in the literature were carried out by reversed phase HPLC. Among the Cjg columns employed for determination of complete carotenoid compositions in foods, the polymeric Vydac brand is preferably used for separation of cis isomers. Several examples of different C,g columns and mobile phases are cited in the literature, but not aU carotenoids are baseline separated in most systems. Table 6.2.1 shows some examples employing different brands of Cjg columns." Acetonitrile did not improve selectivity toward separation of carotene isomers in a Vydac 201TP column and resolution was strongly dependent on the Vydac column lot. ... 

Utilizing the difference in selectivity between a monolithic silica-C18 column (2nd-D) and another particle-packed column of C18 phase (lst-D), 2D HPLC separation was shown mainly for basic compounds and other species (Venkatramani and Zelechonok, 2003). The authors also reported other examples of reversed-phase 2D HPLC, using amino- and cyano-derivatized particle-packed columns for 2nd-D separation. The combination of normal-phase separation for the 1 st-D and reversed-phase separation on monolithic Ci g column for the 2nd-D was reported (Dugo et al., 2004). The use of a microbore column and weak mobile phase for the lst-D and a monolithic column for the 2nd-D was essential for successful operation. Improvement in the 2D separation of complex mixtures of Chinese medicines was also reported (Hu et al., 2005). Following are practical examples of comprehensive 2D HPLC using monolithic silica columns that have been reported. 

The same group reported in 1986 a sensitive and selective HPLC method employing CL detection utilizing immobilized enzymes for simultaneous determination of acetylcholine and choline [187], Both compounds were separated on a reversed-phase column, passed through an immobilized enzyme column (acetylcholine esterase and choline oxidase), and converted to hydrogen peroxide, which was subsequently detected by the PO-CL reaction. In this period, other advances in this area were carried out such as the combination of solid-state PO CL detection and postcolumn chemical reaction systems in LC [188] or the development of a new low-dispersion system for narrow-bore LC [189],... 

Discussed below are various modes of separations in HPLC. Included here is brief coverage of mobile-phase selection for various modes of chromatography and elementary information on mechanism, choice of solvents and columns, and other practical considerations. It should come as no surprise that reversed-phase HPLC is discussed at greater length in this section because it is the most commonly used technique in HPLC (more detailed discussion is provided in Section 15.8). Clearly,... 

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