Quantitation and Purification of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds From Halophyte Tissue

Abstract

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric assay for quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) based on Dragendorff's reagent is described. Although not specific for a particular QAC, the assay allows for rapid survey of tissue for QAC content. A separation method for QACs in halophyte tissue containing high levels of cations was developed using ion exchange resins and ninhydrin to remove the amino acid fraction.