Optimization of separations of alkyl‐substituted phenolate anions by capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract

Abstract Anions of alkylphenols have very similar electrophoretic mobilities in CZE owing to their very small differences in size and the narrow range of their p K a values. By studying electrophoretic mobility as a function both of pH and of the amount of acetonitrile in the electrolyte solution, optimum separation conditions were determined. It was possible to separate a group of methyl‐substituted phenols, including several positional isomers. Mixtures containing n ‐propyl and isopropyl phenols and 1°, 2°, and 3° butylphenols could be resolved.