Gradient Elution of Biogenic Amines and Derivatives in Reversed Phase Ion-Pair Partition Chromatography with Electrochemical and Fluorometric Detection

Abstract

Abstract The compatibility of gradient elution and reversed phase ion-pair partition systems combined with electrochemical and fluorometric detection has been investigated. The phase system consisting of buffers with perchlorate counter-ions as mobile phases and tri-n-butylphosphate as stationary phase allows the use of pH and counter-ion gradients. It appeared that (i) use of gradients is time saving and favourable with respect to detection limits and (ii) dual electrode detection may offer a solution to the problem of gradient-induced baseline shifting in electrochemical Electrochemical detectors are rather sensitive towards changes in the mobile phase. Applying the differential coulometric detection principle the gradient induced baseline shift is reduced and consequently the quantification of a number of compounds is facilitated, although noise levels are slightly increased. Future research will be devoted to noise investigations in order to minimize detection limits.