Current Chromatography

Author(s): Tamara Alvarez-Segura, María C. García-Alvarez-Coque, Casandra Ortiz-Bolsico and José R. Torres-Lapasió

DOI: 10.2174/2213240602666150703153939

Cite As
Interpretive Approaches to Optimize Serially-Coupled Columns in Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

Page: [110 - 121] Pages: 12

  • * (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

The serial coupling of chromatographic columns of controlled lengths containing different stationary phases multiplies the available selectivity in reversed-phase liquid chromatography, which expands the probabilities of success in the separation of complex samples. However, the full exploitation of the separation capability of coupled columns requires a reliable predictor system of solute retention, peak profile and resolution, for both isocratic and gradient elution. This work summarizes the modelling and optimization strategies needed to implement a separation with serially-coupled columns, offering as example the analysis of a mixture of 15 sulfonamides with four columns of different nature (two C18 columns, a phenyl phase and a cyano phase). None of these columns was able to reach good resolution, but when properly combined, all compounds were resolved in an acceptable analysis time.

Keywords: Optimization protocols, prediction of resolution, reversed-phase liquid chromatography, serially-coupled columns, single columns.