Optimization of A Reverse Phase Ion-Pair Chromatographic Separation for Drugs of Forensic Interest Part I - Variables Effecting Capacity Factors

Abstract

A study is presented employing approximately 50 drugs of forensic interest to determine the effect of stationary phase, water-methanol ratio, alkyl length and concentration of counter-ion and basicity of the compound chromatographed on capacity factors utilizing a reverse phase ion-pair separation. Microbondapak-C18, Microbendapak-Alkyl Phenyl and Microbondapak-CN are the columns examined. The mobile phases used contain water, methanol, acetic acid and an alkylsulfonate salt. Horvath's solvophobic theory is a useful model for explaining many of the chromatographic trends.