LC Analysis of Hexafluorophosphate on a Monolithic Column: Application to the Analysis of Ionic Liquids

A silica-based monolithic column with tetrabutylammonium hydroxide–phthalic acid–acetonitrile as mobile phase has been used for LC analysis of hexafluorophosphate with direct conductivity detection. The effects of mobile phase composition, column temperature, and flow rate on retention of hexafluorophosphate were investigated and the optimum chromatographic conditions were selected. Common anions and tetrafluoroborate did not interfere with analysis of hexafluorophosphate. The detection limit (S/N = 3) for hexafluorophosphate was 6.2 mg L^?1. Relative standard deviation (n = 5) for peak area was 0.1%. The method was successfully used for analysis of hexafluorophosphate in ionic liquids.