Chromatography Forum

Hello

We currently have an application where we need to analyze a cationic surfactant (specifically benzalkonium chloride). I've learned the hard way that 'regular' columns don't work well - becuase of irreversible binding. Even polar embedded columns don't work. Apparently there is some special kind of deactivation that is required. Anyone know anything about this?

To make life more complicated, with our application we also have an analyte that can't tolerate low pH.

Does anyone know of a column that works with cationic surfactants - and standard (non-ionic) molecules - without needing acid.

Thanks

Adam,

Maybe this one. See link (even if I never test cationic myself with this column).

http://www1.dionex.com/en-us/webdocs/25 ... et_V24.pdf

Cheers,
Bhuvfe

Imtakt has an application for benzalkonium chloride on Unison UK-C8:

http://www.silvertonesciences.com/files/TI197E.pdf

Are there any dionex people out there?

Can anyone tell me if the Acclaim column will work at nuetral pH.

Much Thanks

Benzalkonium chloride has quite good retention on any RP column, we have a method "from the stoneage" that uses a Lichrospher C18 column and phosphate buffer pH 7.0/MeCN.

Adam,

Acclaim Surfactant column does work at neutral pH. It works well with various types of surfactants, especially cationic surfactants - symmetrical peaks, good selectivity and high efficiency.

It is very easy to use Acclaim Surfactantenzalkonium chloride using either isocratic or gradient method. Both phosphate and ammonium acetate buffers can be used depending on the detection method. Silica-based RP columns are not good candidate for this application, mainly due to inferior peak shape and excessive retention.

If you had further question, please feel free to contact me at 408-481-4500.