Are PFPP columns useful for polar analytes?

[ChromKing]

I am considering purchasing a PFPP column to replace some ion pairing methods using HFBA mobile phases. What are your experiences with the PFPP columns? I already have a trove of columns that were supposed to work wonders and ended up in a drawer somewhere and I don't want to put another one in the graveyard and line the pockets of another HPLC column manufacturer.

Specifically I am trying to reproduce some chromatography from this paper for compounds found in garlic. I would be analyzing the compounds from plasma extracts.

http://www.omicsonline.org/drug-metabol ... 000159.pdf

[tom jupille]

That paper was a review which (on a quick scan) was remarkably light on analytical methodology.

My $0.02 worth amounts to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". If you have existing methods that are working OK, take a long hard look at any advantages might accrue from avoiding ion-pairing and evaluate whether those advantages are worth the effort of developing new methods.

The bottom line on *any* column: if you can find a paper or application note for your specific compounds, then you should be able to duplicate it. If not, it's a crap shoot