Selection of a Suitable Solvent System for the Isolation of Toxicologically Active Components of an African Arrow Poison of Plant Origin

Abstract

A method has been developed for the extraction and analysis of the antioxidant, the peroxide crosslinking agent and some decomposition products in crosslinked polyethylene. The method involves the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the reverse-phase mode, with a mixture of methanol and water as the mobile phase. Samples of polyethylene are ground at low temperature into a fine powder prior to extraction by methanol. The accuracy and sensitivity limits are given for each of the separated components.