HPLC of ALKALOIDS

[mariojon]

Well Hi,
I will be working on HPLC method development of isolated plant alkaloids and i have a very limited budget. Is it ok if i choose a C18 reverse phase column or is there a better RP column for separation of alkaloids . I have a 515 semi prep pump with UV-vis detector and an empower software. If later after validated method developed i thought of doing LC-MS where in the LC i have a binary 2695 binary pump (waters) and xterrra C8 column hyphenated to Zq4000 ESI probe with single quadropole.
Can anyone tell me whether Iam in to the right direction or do I have to rethink the whole strategy.
Thank you
John

[DR]

I would stay away from the semi-prep pump and go with the 2695. A huge number of plant alkaloid methods are out there and many are done on C-18 columns (and lots of those could be moved to a C-8 with little difficulty). Where you may "step in it" is if you fail to examine the properties (or anticipated properties) of the molecules you want to develop a method for. If they are particularly basic or have solubility issues with aqueous systems or if they're unusually polar, a C-18 RP method may well not be for you...

[mariojon]

Thanks DR,

you are a life saver!
Ok the 515 pump that I have, can be fitted with an analytical flow cell and as well as tubings could be changed to analytical limits.
WEll I will start the method for separation . ANY more IMportant advice you have . please let me know.
thanks again,
John