Dye-coated stationary-phases: A retention model for anions in ion-interaction chromatography

Summary The separation of inorganic anions (NO₃ ⁻, NO₂ ⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, S₂O₃ ²⁻) by ion-interaction chromatography mediated with a specific dye has been investigated. Chromatography was performed on a LiChrospher RP-18 colum dynamically coated with crystal violet, using acetonitrile-water buffered with phthalate as the mobile phase. The presence of the dye in the eluent enabled indirect spectrophotometric detection of the analytes, which have no significant UV absorption. Retention data were collected for the different anions by varying the composition of the mobile phase according to a full factorial experimental design. A theoretical model for the retention of singly- and doubly-charged analytes, on the basis of the two main processes of ion-exchange and ion-pair formation, has been proposed and validated with the experimental data.     

Separation of anions by ion-interaction chromatography with a novel cationic/zwitterionic eluent

Inorganic and organic anions can be separated on an ordinary silica C18 column using a mobile phase containing tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) and an aminosulfonic acid zwitterion reagent (MOPS). The pH of this eluent is close to 7 and the background conductivity is about 50 microS, which is low enough to permit anion analyte detection by direct conductivity. Linear calibration curves were obtained for the six anions studied and detection limits ranged from 0.075 to 0.15 mg/l (ppm) for the five inorganic anions. The method was applied to the determination of water-soluble anions in aerosol samples at concentrations as low as 0.3 mg/l.     

Studies on elution conditions for the determination of anions by supressed ion-interaction chromatography using a graphitized carbon column

A new method has been developed for ion-interaction chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection and a new graphitized carbon packing, which is sintered from carbonic material at a high temperature. Combinations of various eluting agents, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA) and acetonitrile have been investigated to optimize the separation of eight common anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, HPO₄²⁻ and I⁻). Calibration curves were linear from 0.5 to 10 μg/ml for F⁻, from 1.0 to 20 μg/ml for Cl⁻, NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻, from 2.5 to 50 μg/ml for Br⁻ and SO₄²⁻ and from 5.0 to 100 μg/ml for HPO₄²⁻ and I⁻ with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.999 or better. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) of peak areas were between 0.2 and 0.9% for 10 repeated measurements. The application of this newly developed method was demonstrated by the determination of chloride, bromide and sulfate in pharmaceutical compounds using the direct injection method. The analytical results were within ±2% (relative) of the theoretical value, and thus in good agreement with the theoretical value for each sample.     

Optimisation of selectivity in the separation of metallo-cyanide complexes by ion-interaction liquid chromatography

A study into the optimisation and selectivity of a reversed-phase ion-interaction liquid chromatographic method for the separation of metallo-cyanide complexes is described. A stable ion-interaction system was developed in which a C₁₈ stationary phase was equilibrated with a 60 mM solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide ion-interaction reagent in order to saturate the stationary phase and to minimise retention changes caused by adsorption and desorption of this material. The effects on retention of the metallo-cyanide complexes caused by changes in pH and ionic strength were minimised through the addition of a high concentration of a phosphate buffer (150 mM)to the mobile phase. Perchlorate (0.32–5.62 mM) was then added to the mobile phase as a competing anion and its effect upon the capacity factors of each complex determined. A linear relationship between the logarithm of capacity factor and the logarithm of the concentration of perchlorate was observed, although the slopes of these plots were not accordance with those predicted by a simple ion-exchange model. However, the linearity of the data allowed a simple optimisation procedure to be applied and the concentration of perchlorate could be used to manipulate the separation selectivity of the system. Three differing elution orders of metallo-cyanide complexes were achieved by varying the concentration of perchlorate in the mobile phase within the range 0.94–5.62 mM.     

Separation of lanthanides using ion-interaction chromatography with HDEHP coated columns

A rapid and high resolution separation of lanthanides by HPLC technique has been developed using Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP) coated reverse phase column and a-hydroxy isobutyric acid as the complexing reagent for elution. A gradient elution technique has been developed for achieving the separation of the entire lanthanide series. Isocratic elution procedure has also been developed for the separation of lighter (La to Gd) as well heavier lanthanides (Lu to Tb). This paper describes the separation methods developed and their application for the determination of lanthanides in a fission product mixture.     

Novel UV absorbing eluents for speciation and ion chromatographic determination of anions

2–3 and 2–4 pyridine dicarboxylic acids can be used as mobile phases for ion chromatographic analyses of anions in simple matrices. By selecting a specific reaction scheme or matrix elimination before the chromatographic step their use can be extended to more complex samples.     

Ultra-violet visualization of inorganic anions by reversed-phase ion-interaction chromatography; factors that control retention and selectivity

This paper describes the development and characterization of a separation and detection system for the analysis of mixtures of UV-transparent inorganic anions. Retention and separation occurs when a hydrophobic, positively charged paired-ion chromatography (PIC) reagent or an ion-interaction reagent (IIR) is added to the mobile phase of a reversed-phase system. Detection of UV-transparent ions results from a perturbation of the distribution equilibria of the UV-absorbing IIR upon injection of the sample ions. The effect of factors such as the concentration and nature of the buffer, co-ions and IIR as well as an organic modifier are described. The major advantages of this method are that the system is nearly completely nonspecific, the separation system takes advantage of highly efficient reversed-phase columns, rapid separations of 4-6 anions in approximately 6-7 min and good sensitivity with detection limits of less than 1 nmole injected. In addition, no special equipment is required to perform ion analysis by this technique. Only conventional high-performance liquid chromatography pumps, detectors and reversed-phase columns are required.     

Separation and determination of the sulph-hydryl flotation collectors using ion-interaction chromatography

Summary This paper discusses simple and practical methods for the separation and determination of various sulph-hydryl flotation reagents by ion-interaction chromatography. Physical and chemical parameters such as column length, the support, and the constituents of the mobile phase and their respective concentrations were considered. A set of capacity factors, determined for a given set of conditions, is used to assist in the design of separation methods. The developed methodology enables the determination of various sulph-hydryl compounds in a given mixture of flotation reagents, distinction between compounds with the same functionality, and the separation of structural isomers of a particular compound. The applicability of the methods was demonstrated by the analysis of some commercial flotation reagents, as well as samples generated in an investigation of synergism of the sulp-hydryl collectors.     

Simultaneous ion-pair chromatography of inorganic anions and cations using on-column derivatization with chelating agents and UV detection

Six complexones have been investigated as on-column derivatizing agents for the simultaneous separation of inorganic anions and cations using ion pair chromatography. UV spectrophotometry at 210 nm has been applied for both the direct and the indirect detection of anions and anionic metal complexes. Under the experimental conditions used DCTA and DTPA have been practically applicable. Factors affecting the chromatographic behaviour of analyte ions have been studied. Chloride, nitrite, nitrate sulphate, chromate, molybdate, iron, chromium (III), copper (II), cobalt (II), nickel (II) and mercury (II) ions have been separated in 30 min with a mobile phase containing 1 mmol/1 TBA and 0.5 mmol/1 DCTA at pH 6.2 in acetonitrile-water (10:90 v/v). With DTPA as eluent and using pre-column derivatization of metal cations with DCTA eight anions and six metal cations can be separated. The detection limits are less than 0.1 mg/l for most of the investigated ions. Permanent address: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Vilnius University, Naugarduko 24, 2006 Vilnius, Lithuania     

The dipole approach in ion-interaction chromatography of zwitterions

Summary The chromatographic behavior of zwitterions in Ion-interaction chromatography (IIC) is, investigated theoretically for the first time. The modification of the stationary phase in the presence of Ion-interaction reagent (IIR), and adsorption competition between test analytes and IIR for inner layer sites are shown theoretically to change the partition coefficient for zwitterions. Experimental results from the literature concerning retention behavior of zwitterions in IIC, were used to test the new thermodynamic theory. Very reasonable estimates of (i) ΔG ^o values for the IIR adsorption onto the stationary phase (II) total ligand concentration, and (iii) dipolar moments validate the present thermodynamic model for the IIC of zwitterionic analytes. Retention equations are compared to those which can be obtained, if the net charge of the analyte is zero, from the most important retention models in IIC. None of them is able to explain, even in a qualitative way, the retention behavior of zwitterions in IIC whereas, the present model is quantitatively able to do this.     

Simultaneous separation and detection of anions and cations in ion chromatography

An overview of new possibilities for the simultaneous determination of anions and cations by ion chromatography is presented. A short comparison of the characteristics of separation and detection methods for simultaneous anion–cation determinations of ions is given and applications are discussed.     

Separation of inorganic anions by reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography with direct UV detection

In this paper, a separation method of the inorganic anions including I^–, NO ₂ ^– , NO ₃ ^– , IO ₃ ^– and SCN^– on the reversed-phase ion-pair chromatography with direct UV detection has been developed, and the limits of detection of these inorganic anions were determined. The effects of the organic modifier volume fraction and concentration of the ion-pair reagent on the retention of inorganic anions were discussed.     

Determination of melatonin and monoamines in rat pineal using reversed-phase ion-interaction chromatography with fluorescence detection

A method is reported for the ion-interaction, reversed-phase separation of 24 compounds (chiefly monoamines) arising from the metabolism of tyrosine and tryptophan. These compounds were separated as two groups. The first group comprised 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol, tyrosine, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol, 5-hydroxytryptophan, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, epinephrine, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol, dopamine, tryptophan. N-acetylserotonin, N-acetyltryptophan, 5-methoxytryptophan and serotonin. The mobile phase consisted of a 6.8:93.2 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and an aqueous solution containing 0.16 M ammonium phosphate, 0.06 M citric acid, 0.15 mM disodium EDTA, 10 mM dibutylamine and 6 mM sodium 1-octanesulphonate at pH 4.50. The second group of compounds comprised 6-hydroxymelatonin, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, 5-methoxytryptamine, tryptamine, 5-methoxytryptophol, melatonin and tryptophol. The mobile phase consisted of a 16:84 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and an aqueous solution containing 0.05 M ammonium phosphate, 0.05 M citric acid, 0.15 mM disodium EDTA, 25 mM dibutylamine and 5 mM sodium 1-octanesulphonate at pH 5.30. Detection was by fluorescence measurement (lambda ex = 280 nm, lambda em = 340 nm). The proposed method exhibited linear calibration over the biochemically significant concentration range, with detection limits in the 10-200 pg range. Excellent precision for peak areas and retention times was observed, even over a period of 24 h. The applicability of amperometric detection (at 0.72V) is also demonstrated. The method is applied to the determination of monoamines in individual rat pineals. Low nanogram levels of tyrosine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, tryptophan, serotonin and 6-hydroxymelatonin, and picogram levels of 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophol, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid, indole 3-acetic acid, 5-methoxytryptophol and melatonin were indicated in most of the samples.     

Tunable separation of anions and cations by column switching in ion chromatography

A convenient ion chromatography method has been proposed for the routine and simple determination of anions (Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻) and/or cations (Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺) using a single pump, a single eluent and a single detector. The present system used cation-exchange and anion-exchange columns connected in series via two 6-port switching valves or a single 10-port valve. The connection order of the ion-exchange columns could be varied by switching the valve(s). The present system therefore allowed the separation of either cations or anions in a single chromatographic run. While one ion-exchange column is being operated, the other ion-exchange column is being conditioned, i.e., the columns are always ready for analysis at any time. When 2.4 mM 5-sulfosalicylic acid was used as the eluent, the three anions and the five cations could be separated on the anion-exchange column and cation-exchange column, respectively. In order to obtain the separations of the target ions, the injection valve was placed between the two columns. Complete separations of the above anions or cations were demonstrated within 10 min each. The detection limits at S/N = 3 were 19-50 ppb (μg/l) for cations and 10-14 ppb for anions. The relative standard deviations of the analyte ions were less than 1.1, 2.9 and 2.8% for retention time, peak area and peak height, respectively. This proposed technique was applied to the determination of common anions and cations in river water samples.     

Rapid separation of inorganic anions by capillary ion chromatography using monolithic silica columns modified with dilauryldimethylammonium ion.

The rapid separation of inorganic anions was determined by capillary ion chromatography using monolithic silica capillary columns modified with dilauryldimethylammonium bromide. The stability of the modified stationary phase was satisfactory owing to a strong hydrophobic interaction between the lauryl groups of the reagent, even if the eluent did not contain dilauryldimethylammonium ion. Bromide in seawater samples could be determined by the present system. The repeatability of a retention time of bromide for six successive measurements was around 1.8% when a 500 mM sodium chloride aqueous solution was used as the eluent. Seawater samples were directly injected onto the prepared column without any interference of matrix ions, because an aqueous solution of high-concentration sodium chloride could be used as the eluent. Bromide in seawater samples could be determined within 2 min.     

Evaluation of contactless conductivity detection for the determination of UV absorbing and non-UV absorbing species in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (C(4)D) was used for the determination of three groups of ionizable species in reversed-phase HPLC with isocratic elution. These were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are arylpropionic acid derivatives and represent anionic analytes, beta-blockers which are amines and therefore cationic, and zwitterionic amino acids. Optimization of the eluents led to detection limits in the order of 1 microM for all species. The precision in peak areas was typically between 0.2 and 2.1% and calibration curves were linear up to 500 microM. The determination of ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid and atenolol in real samples was also demonstrated by direct injection of dissolved pharmaceutical formulations into the HPLC-C(4)D system.     

Strongly UV absorbing bifunctional azoalkanes

[structure: see text] Two new anthracene-containing azoalkanes (1 and 2) absorb UV light 600 times more strongly than simple azoalkanes. Intramolecular energy transfer from excited singlet anthracene to the azo group is nearly complete, but despite the close proximity of the two chromophores, 1 and 2 continue to exhibit anthracene fluorescence. Thermolysis of these compounds in the presence of monomers affords fluorescent labeled polymers. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first azoalkanes to undergo induced decomposition in solution.