Fast separation of phenolic acids in normal-phase partition chromatography

Abstract

Normal-phase partition chromatography on CN-bonded silica column was investigated for a fast separation of a number of benzoic and cinnamic phenolic acids. Various partition systems involving formic, acetic and phosphoric acids were used; the capacity factors and selectivities of the solutes calculated in the different chromatographic conditions are compared. The results obtained show that the partition system based on the use of formic acid exhibits excellent performance. In addition, small changes in the content of the alcoholic and aqueous acid parts of the mobile phase can cause a significant change in retention of phenolic acids.