Solid-liquid extraction strategy on the basis of solvent characterization

Summary Different solvents used for extraction are characterized on the basis of the Snyder theory. The individual solvent strength (s_i) and selectivity values (s_v) of the solvents are used to formulate an extraction strategy by use of selected solvents, in a manner similar to that used for the computer-aided HPLC and TLC “PRISMA” mobile phase optimization procedures. After a pre-assay using the nine proposed solvents, twelve measurements are necessary to obtain the global optimum. The new method allows successful solid-liquid extraction of compounds from biological matrices such as medicinal and aromatic plants. Data obtained from furocoumarin isomers and flavonoid glycosides extracted from different medicinal and aromatic plants are used to demonstrate the validity of the method. The structures and properties of the compounds to be extracted do not have to be known for the procedure to be used. Presented at Balaton Symposium on High Performance Separation Methods, Siófok, Hungary, September 1–3, 1999