Sensitive, indirect photometric detector for high-performance liquid chromatography using a light-emitting diode

A low-noise detector for indirect photometric detection has been constructed using a highly stable source--a light-emitting diode (LED). Use of the detector is demonstrated for reversed-phase liquid chromatography by adding methylene blue to the mobile phase to make a background signal. The indirect determination of alcohols by their effect on methylene blue concentration distribution is demonstrated, and an investigation is made into the conditions for high sensitivity. Because the source exhibits low noise, the detection limits for alcohols are as low as more complex and expensive detection methods, despite the lower radiant power of the LED. Detection limits for nine alcohols are below micrograms injected amounts.