Retention indices in micellar electrokinetic chromatography

The use of retention indices in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) is evaluated both from a theoretical and a practical point of view. Fundamental equations for the determination of retention indices in MEKC are described, showing that retention indices are independent of the surfactant concentration. Possibilities as well as limitations of different homologous series as reference standards are described. In addition, the practical application of retention indices for identification, investigation of solute-micelle interactions, characterization and classification of pseudo-stationary phases and determination of solute lipophilicity are discussed.