The effect of chromatographic conditions on the separation of selected alkaloids in RP-HPTLC

Abstract

Selected alkaloid standards were chromatographed on C18 W layers using various aqueous eluents containing an organic modifier and pH 3 buffer to suppress silanol ionization or an organic modifier and pH 8 buffer to suppress alkaloid ionization. Anionic ion pairs such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, octane-1-sulfonic acid sodium salt, pentane-1-sulfonic acid sodium salt, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)ortho-phosphoric acid are used to improve peak shape, efficiency, and selectivity. Amines (e.g., diethylamine, triethylamine, and tetrabutylamonium chloride) are incorporated into mobile phases to block surface silanols. The effect of Chromatographic conditions on the separation of the investigated alkaloids is analyzed by the comparison of particular densitograms, asymmetry factor, or theoretical plate number. The best efficiency, peak symmetry, and separation selectivity of the investigated compounds is obtained through the addition of amine (especially diethylamine) to the mobile phases.