Changes In Separation Selectivity Research Articles

A Retention-Matching Strategy for Method Transfer in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography: Introducing the Isomolar Plot Approach

A strategy to match any retention shifts due to increased or decreased pressure drop during supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) method transfer is presented. The strategy relies on adjusting the co-solvent molarity without the need to adjust the back-pressure regulator. Exact matching can be obtained with minimal changes in separation selectivity. To accomplish this, we introduce the isomolar plot approach, which shows the variation in molar co-solvent concentration depending on the mass fraction of co-solvent, pressure, and temperature, here exemplified by CO2–methanol. This plot allowed us to unify the effects of the co-solvent mass fraction and density on retention in SFC. The approach, which was verified on 12 known empirical retention models for each enantiomer of six basic pharmaceuticals, allowed us to numerically calculate the apparent retention factor for any column pressure drop. The strategy can be implemented either using a mechanistic approach if retention models are known or empirically by iteratively adjusting the co-solvent mass fraction. As a rule of thumb for the empirical approach, we found that the relative mass fraction adjustment needed is proportional to the relative change in the retention factor caused by a change in the pressure drop. Different proportionality constants were required to match retention in the case of increasing or decreasing pressure drops.

OPTIMIZATION OF SOME VARIABLES OF ON-LINE INJECTION IN PRESSURIZED PLANAR ELECTROCHROMATOGRAPHY

Pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) is a separating technique, in which an electric field is applied to force movement of the mobile phase through a porous media (electroosmotic effect). High separation efficiency, fast separation, and changes in separation selectivity in comparison to liquid chromatography, especially to thin-layer chromatography (planar chromatography, TLC) are features of this technique. Our group has recently introduced the prototype device, which enables simultaneous on-line injection of six samples on chromatographic plate in a stream of the mobile phase. In this paper influence of some operating variables of on-line injection mode on efficiency of PPEC separation system is shown and discussed.

Comparison of the Retention of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons with Polar Groups in RP-HPLC Systems with Different Modifiers of the Binary Eluent.

The retention of aliphatic hydrocarbons with polar groups has been compared in respect to the separation selectivity changes in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with C18 stationary phase type and binary water eluent composed of methanol, acetonitrile, or tetrahydrofuran as modifiers. The changes in separation selectivity when one modifier is replaced by another in the eluent is explained, taking into consideration molecular interactions of the solutes with components of the stationary phase region, i.e., extracted modifier, and ordering of the stationary phase by the modifier.

A Modified Device for Pressurized Planar Electrochromatography and Preliminary Results with On-Line Sample Application

Pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) is a separating technique in which an electric field is applied to force the mobile phase movement through a porous media (electroosmotic effect). High separation efficiency, fast separations and changes in separation selectivity in comparison to liquid chromatography, especially thin layer chromatography (planar chromatography, TLC), are features of this technique. Constructional methodological challenges to PPEC are obstacles to its development and application in laboratory practice. In this article, an attempt to overcome the challenges related to device construction and sample application/injection is described. The introduced device enables both prewetting of the adsorbent layer and electrochromatogram development with a single PPEC device. It also enables simultaneous application/injection of six samples on a chromatographic plate in a stream of the mobile phase (on-line application/injection). In addition, the PPEC chamber was equipped with a thermostat. The device is characterized by an impressive throughput in comparison to the other planar technique, TLC/HPTLC. Although the developed device still needs improvement, it is, in our opinion, a considerable step toward possible automation of this planar separation technique.

Determination of peimine and peiminine in Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii by capillary electrophoresis by indirect UV detection using N‐(1‐naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride as probe

A simple and inexpensive CE method was developed for the determination of peimine and peiminine. Because of the lack of an UV chromophore of peimine and peiminine, the detection method chosen was indirect UV detection, with N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NED) as the UV absorbing probe. It was thought that NED, a chromophoric ion, may form hydrogen bonding pairs with the analytes to cause significant changes in separation selectivity. Additionally, the hydrophobic interactions between analytes and the probe also play a crucial role in achieving a resolution between the two analytes. The analyses were carried out with a background electrolyte composed of 66% MeOH-ACN (1:1, v/v), 34% aqueous buffer containing 15 mM NaH₂PO₄, 2.5 mM NED, 4 mM H₃PO₄. MeOH-ACN mixtures used as organic modifiers can not only reduce the adsorption of NED to the capillary wall, but also decrease the baseline noise and drift. The method provided a linear response ranging from 5 to 200 μg/mL. The limits of detection (LODs) for peimine and peiminine were 3.9 and 4.1 μg/mL, respectively. The repeatabilities (n = 3) reached relative standard deviation values (RSDs) of 3.4 and 4.1% for the peak areas, 4.0 and 4.4% for the peak heights, and 0.29 and 0.30% for the migration time of peimine and peiminine, respectively. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (r = 0.9995-0.9996) between the peak area of each analyte and the concentration. The method developed was successfully applied to quantify peimine and peiminine in chloroform extracts of the ground Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii.

Investigations on the migration behavior of insulin and related synthetic analogues in CZE, MEKC and MEEKC employing different surfactants

The retention/migration behavior of insulin and five synthetic insulin analogues in CZE, MEKC and MEEKC employing seven different detergents within the latter two techniques has been investigated. Substantial changes in separation selectivity in MEKC could be observed for several insulins when moving from SDS to cholate-based micellar systems. Customized separations could be achieved by using mixtures of SDS and deoxycholate. A similar effect could be observed in MEEKC although the overall quality of MEEKC separations was inferior to those obtained with MEKC.

Sensitive determination of verticine and verticinone in Bulbus Fritillariae by ionic liquid assisted capillary electrophoresis–electrochemiluminescence system

CE/Ru(bpy) 3 2+ electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system with the assistance of ionic liquids (ILs) was successfully established for sensitive determination of verticine and verticinone in Bulbus Fritillariae for the first time. Migration behavior of alkaloid largely relies on the hydrogen bonding interactions between alkyl imidazolium cations in ILs and the alkaloids. Running buffer containing 40 mmol/L 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMImBF 4) IL–8 mmol/L phosphate resulted in significant changes in separation selectivity for alkaloids with similar structures. The highest sensitivity of the detection was obtained by maintaining the detection potential at 1.2 V. Under the optimized conditions, relative standard derivations of the ECL intensity and the migration time were 3.27 and 2.84% for verticine and 4.42 and 1.69% for verticinone, respectively. The standard curves were linear between 1 × 10 −8 and 1 × 10 −6 mol/L for verticine and between 5 × 10 −8 and 1 × 10 −6 mol/L for verticinone, respectively. Detection limits of 1.25 × 10 −10 mol/L for verticine and 1 × 10 −10 mol/L for verticinone were obtained (S/N = 3). Developed method was successfully applied to determine the amounts of alkaloids in Bulbus Fritillariae.

The use of CE‐electrochemiluminescence with ionic liquid for the determination of bioactive constituents in Chinese traditional medicine

CE / tris(2,2-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)(3) (2+)) electrochemiluminescence (ECL), CE-ECL, with an ionic liquid (IL) detection system was established for the determination of bioactive constituents in Chinese traditional medicine opium poppy which contain large amounts of coexistent substances. A minimal sample pretreatment which involves a one-step extraction approach avoids both sample loss and environmental pollution. As the nearby hydroxyl groups in some alkaloid such as morphine may react with borate to form complexes and IL, as a high-conductivity additive in running buffer, could cause an enhanced field-amplified effect of electrokinetic injection. Running buffer containing 25 mM borax-8 mM 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF(4))IL (pH 9.18) was used which resulted in significant changes in separation selectivity and obvious enhancement in ECL intensities for those alkaloids with similar structures. Sensitive detection could be achieved when the distance between the Pt working electrode and the outlet of separation capillary was set at 150 microm and the stainless steel cannula was fixed approximately 1 cm away from the outlet of the capillary. Quantitative analysis of four alkaloids was achieved at a detection voltage of 1.2 V and a separation voltage of 15 kV in less than 7 min. Detection limits of thebaine, codeine, morphine, and narcotine were 2.5 x 10(-7), 2.5 x 10(-7), 1 x 10(-9) and 1 x 10(-6) M(S/N = 3), respectively. The method was successfully applied to determine the amounts of opium alkaloids in real poppy samples.

Glycine-based polymeric surfactants with varied polar head group: II. Chemical selectivity in micellar electrokinetic chromatography using linear solvation energy relationships

A series of four acyl and four alkenoxy glycinates (i.e., mono-, di-, tri-, and tetraderivatives of polysodium N-undecenoyl glycinate (poly-SUGs) as well as polysodium N-undecenoxy carbonyl glycinates (poly-SUCGs)) were compared for simultaneous separation of nonhydrogen bonding (NHB), hydrogen-bond acceptor (HBA), and hydrogen-bond donor (HBD) solutes. An increase in the number of glycine units in the polar head group of polymeric surfactant decreases both the retention and the migration window of all solutes with some changes in separation selectivity. The poly(sodium N-undecenoxy carbonyl-glycinate) (poly-SUCG1) with one glycine unit was the least polar surfactant and has the lowest phase ratio, but this monoglycinate surfactant provided the best simultaneous separation of 10-NHBs and 8-HBAs. On the other hand, 9-HBDs were well separated using any of the six mono-, di-, and triglycinate surfactants compared to the two tetraglycinates. Linear solvation energy relationships (LSERs) and separation of the geometrical isomers studies were also performed to further envisage the selectivity differences. From LSER studies, the phase ratio and hydrogen-bond-donating strength of the poly-SUG series of surfactant were found to increase with an increase in the size of the head group, but no clear trends were observed for poly-SUCG surfactants. The cohesiveness for all poly-SUG and poly-SUCG was positive, but the values were generally lower (with exception of the poly(sodium N-undecenoyl glycyl-glycyl-glycinate)) at a higher number of glycine units. Finally, the poly(sodium N-undecenoyl glycinate) and poly-SUCG1 were found to be the two best polymeric surfactants as they provided relatively higher shape selectivity for separation of two of the three sets of geometrical isomers.

Separation of opiate alkaloids by electrokinetic chromatography with sulfated-cyclodextrin as a pseudo-stationary phase

The separation of six related opiate alkaloids (morphine, thebaine, 10-hydroxythebaine, codeine, oripavine and laudanine) was studied using sulfated-cyclodextrin (s-CD) as a cation-exchange pseudo-stationary phase. Cation-exchange interactions between the cationic analytes and the anionic s-CD (7–11 mol of sulfate groups per mole CD) were found to be the predominant mechanism, allowing the separations to be performed at low pH where the opiates are protonated and exhibit very similar mobilities. The concentrations of the s-CD and the competing ion (Na + or Mg 2+) in the electrolyte were used to govern the extent of the ion-exchange interactions. Interactions with the sulfated-cyclodextrin differed for each analyte, with oripavine exhibiting the strongest interaction and 10-thebaine and laudanine showing the weakest interactions. Despite the very similar structures of the analytes, these differences resulted in significant changes in separation selectivity. The separation was modelled using a migration equation derived from first principles and based on ion-exchange interactions between the s-CD and the opiates. Constants within the model were obtained by non-linear regression using a small subset of experimentally determined migration times. These constants related to the ion-exchange affinities of the s-CD for the various opiates. When the model was used to predict migration times under other experimental conditions, a very good correlation was obtained between observed and predicted mobilities ( r 2=0.996). Optimisation of the system was performed using the normalised resolution product and minimum resolution criteria and this process provided two optimised separations, each exhibiting a different separation selectivity.

Comparison of retention of aromatic hydrocarbons with polar groups in binary reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography systems

The retention of aromatic hydrocarbons with polar groups has been correlated as log k 1 versus log k 2 for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography systems with different binary aqueous mobile phases containing methanol, acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran as modifiers. Distinct changes in separation selectivity have been observed between tetrahydrofuran and acetonitrile or methanol systems. Methanol and acetonitrile systems show lower diversity of separation selectivity. The changes in retention and selectivity of aromatic hydrocarbons with various polar groups between any two chromatographic systems with binary aqueous eluents (tetrahydrofuran vs. acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran vs. methanol and methanol vs. acetonitrile) have been interpreted in terms of molecular interactions of the solute with especially one component of the stationary phase region, i.e. extracted modifier, and stationary phase ordering. The ordering of the stationary phase region caused by modifier type influences the chromatographic selectivity of solutes with different molecular shape.

Anion-exchange capillary electrochromatography with indirect UV and direct contactless conductivity detection.

Conductivity detection is applied to ion-exchange capillary electrochromatography (IE-CEC) with a packed stationary phase, using a capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector with detection occurring through the packed bed. Columns were packed with a polymeric latex-agglomerate anion-exchanger (Dionex AS9-SC). A systematic approach was used to determine suitable eluants for IE-CEC separations using simultaneous indirect UV and direct conductivity detection. Salicylate and p-toluenesulfonate were identified as potential eluant competing anions having sufficient eluotropic strength to induce changes in separation selectivity, but salicylate was found to be unsuitable with regard to baseline stability. It was also found for both indirect UV and direct conductivity detection that homogenous column packing was imperative, and monitoring of the baseline could be used to assess the homogeneity of the packed bed. Using a p-toluenesulfonate eluant, the separation of eight common anions was achieved in 2.5 min. Direct conductivity detection was found to be superior to indirect UV detection with regard to both baseline stability and detection sensitivity with detection limits of 4-25 microg/L being obtained. However, the calibration for each anion was not linear over more than one order of magnitude. When using conductivity detection, the concentration of the eluant could be varied over a wider range (2.5-50 mM p-toluenesulfonate) than was the case with indirect UV detection (2.5-10 mM), thereby allowing greater changes in separation selectivity to be achieved. By varying the concentration of p-toluenesulfonate in the eluant, the separation selectivity could be manipulated from being predominantly ion-exchange in nature (2.5 mM) to predominantly electrophoretic in nature (50 mM).

Theoretical Migration Model for Micellar Capillary Electrophoresis and Its Application to the Separation of Anionic Metal Complexes of HEDTC and CDTA

A mathematical model relating the effective mobility of an analyte in micellar capillary electrophoresis (MCE) to the concentration of surfactant and organic modifier in the background electrolyte (BGE) was derived. Effective mobility is expressed in terms of the electrophoretic mobility of the analyte, the partition coefficient of the analyte into the micelle, and the influence of organic modifier on these two factors. The performance of the model was evaluated using Cd(II), Pb(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Bi(III), Cu(II), and Hg(II) complexes of bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate, all of which carry a partial negative charge, and Cd(II), Pb(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Bi(III), Cu(II), Hg(II), Fe(III), Ag(I), Tl(I), and Mn(II) complexes of trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, all of which are anionic having charges in the range -1 to -3. These analytes were separated in borate BGEs containing 10-50 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0-20% (v/v) methanol. Nonlinear regression was used to derive parameters for the model from experimental data and these parameters were used to predict effective mobilities of the analytes. Predicted values of effective mobilties agreed with experimental values to within 3.1%. Values of parameters from the model equation are used to explain changes in separation selectivity observed at different BGE compositions and the model equation is shown to be applicable to computer-assisted optimization of the BGE composition, in MCE using a limited number of experiments.

Studies on the combination of ion chromatography-particle-beam mass spectrometry with capillary columns

A particle beam interface was investigated for coupling ion chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. Several prerequisites must be fulfilled, including mobile phases containing volatile buffers and high amounts of organic solvents at low flow-rates. Microcolumns with inner diameters between 130 and 1000 μm (packed with a silica-based anion-exchange material) in combination with a microflow aerosol generator meet these requirements. Organic solvetns in the mobile phase lead to considerable changes in separation selectivity, so that the retention order can be partly reversed in comparison with aqueous mobile phases. The performance of the interface and the mass spectrometric detection has been studied for a series of inorganic anions as well as for aminopolycar☐ylic acids and their metal complexes. The detection limits are between 10 and 100 ng injected and are significantly poorer than those for conductivity detection. On the other hand, the possibility of operating the detector at pre-selected masses greatly improves the selectivity of the analysis and helps to confirm peaks from a non-selective conductivity detector. On-line and off-line preconcentration techniques allow the detection of anions in drinking water at ppb levels.

Application of Nonaqueous Capillary Electrophoresis to the Separation of Long-Chain Surfactants

The potential of nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the separation of hydrophobic solutes has been examined for a series of alkanesulfonates (C2−C16 ), alkyl sulfates (C8−C18), and linear alkyl benzenesulfonates. Sample loss and band broadening observed in aqueous CE separations was not observed in nonaqueous systems. Changes in separation selectivity induced by solvation and ion pair effects were examined. Separation selectivity was affected by changes in solvation and by a change from protic (methanol) to aprotic conditions (addition of acetonitrile). The addition of alkali metal ion caused changes in migration time via ion pairing but had only small effects on separation selectivity. However, the adjustment of the hydrophobicity of the electrolyte counterion was effective for separation optimization. The analytical features of these nonaqueous systems and applications to samples of shampoo, liquid detergent, and laundry detergents were also briefly examined. Alkanesulfonates and alkyl sulfates were separated in 0.01 mol/L sodium p-toluenesulfonate and 0.005 mol/L p-toluenesulfonic acid in methanol and in methanol/acetonitrile mixtures with indirect UV detection at 214 nm. Linear alkyl benzenesulfonates were separated in methanol and methanol/acetonitrile mixtures with tetramethylammonium as a counterion and direct detection at 214 nm.

Effect of electrolyte composition in the capillary electrophoretic separation of inorganic/organic anions in the presence of cationic polymers

Abstract Electrolyte modification with two cationic polyelectrolytes has been investigated for the separation of inorganic anions, aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, and sulphonic acids. Changes in migration rates and separation selectivity, arising from hydrophobic interactions, ion exchange, and changes in electroosmotic flow were studied for benzoate, chromate and phosphate + chloride counter-ions as a function of pH, and for the addition of methanol and acetonitrile. Large changes in separation selectivity, for aliphatic and sulphonic acids, were observed with benzoate electrolytes as compared to chromate electrolytes. In addition, electroosmotic flow was faster in the former separation electrolytes by about 65%. Changes in selectivity as a result of hydrophobic interactions were investigated with a series of aromatic acids where shifts in migration order were observed as function of polyelectrolyte concentration. For inorganic anions, in chromate electrolytes at a constant concentration of polyelectrolyte, the addition of methanol or acetonitrile decreased migration rates by as much as 67%. The analytical merits of the methodology were examined for a potash (concentrated KCl) sample and a simulated decontamination solution containing EDTA, Fe 3+ (EDTA) and oxalate.

Optimization of an isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of carotenoids

Using a polymeric C 18 high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) column, which demonstrated excellent separation selectivity toward carotenoid compounds in an earlier column evaluation, the effects of mobile phase modifier, modifier concentration, and column temperature were investigated. A seven-component carotenoid mixture was used to monitor changes in separation selectivity in response to variations in HPLC conditions. Both acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran (THF) improved the resolution of echinenone and α-carotene; THF was selected for use as a modifier due to its solvating properties. At concentrations greater than 6% THF, the resolution of lutein and zeaxanthin deteriorated significantly. Temperature was varied from 15 to 35°C in 5°C increments. Resolution of lutein/zeaxanthin and β-cartone/lycopene were better at lower temperatures while echinenone/α-carotene separation improved as temperature increased. An acceptable separation of all seven carotenoids was achieved at 20°C using 5% THF as a mobile phase modifier. Method applicability is demonstrated for serum and food carotenoids.

Buffered Silicagel Systems - An Alternative Method for the Separation of Polar Compounds

Abstract The adsorption chromatography of polar compounds on normal silicagel gives very often strongly tailing peaks and, therefore, poor resolution. By coating the surface of the silicagel with a buffer salt, the tailing disappears and all the advantages of adsorption chromatography can be used. On buffered silicagel, nonionic compounds behave in the same way as on the untreated adsorbent. In this paper we describe the influence of type, pH and concentration of the buffer solution used to modify the silicagel on the performance of the separation system. The changes in separation selectivity and various applications are shown.