General Principles of PLC Method Development Philip J. Koerner, Ph.D. Thailand September 213 Part 1. General Chromatographic Theory Part 2. The Stationary Phase: An verview of PLC Media Part 3. Role of the Mobile Phase in Selectivity
The Liquid Chromatographic Process 3 Column Chromatography: The Beginning of Liquid Chromatography Empty Column Adsorbent particles added Sample is loaded onto the top of the column Solvent is added to the top of the column Separation occurs as the bands move down the column 4 Mikhail Tsvet, 1872-1919
Basis of Chromatographic Separation Separation of compounds by PLC depends on the interaction of analyte molecules with the stationary phase and the mobile phase. Mobile Phase Stationary Phase 5 The Liquid Chromatographic Process Analytes Mobile Phase Stationary Phase 6
The Liquid Chromatographic Process Analytes Mobile Phase Stationary Phase 7 The Liquid Chromatographic Process Polar/Aqueous Mobile Phase N N N N N Benzo(a)pyrene Ethyl sulfate Non-Polar Stationary Phase (e.g. C18) 8
In any separation, almost never get a pure, single mode of separation. In RP, performance will be dictated by mixture of: 1. ydrophobic interactions 2. Polar interactions 3. Ionic interactions Mechanisms of Interaction In RP Chromatography Method Development = modulating stationary phase and mobile phase conditions to optimize these interactions and achieve a specific separation goal. Tapentadol C 3 N C3 9 C 3 C 3 ydrophobic Interactions ydrophobic C 3 3 C Weak, transient interactions between a non-polar stationary phase and the molecules C 3 C 3 ydrophobic & van Der Waals interactions 3C N C 3 Retention will be predicted by Log P values S i 3 C S i C S i 3 C S i 3 - C 3 S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i 1
Polar Interactions C 3 3 C Polar Interactions between polar functions groups of analyte and residual silanols or polar groups on media C C 3 3 N 3 C 3 C ydrogen bonding, dipoledipole interactions Relatively weak and transient S i 3 C S i C S i 3 C S i 3 - C 3 S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i 11 Ion-exchange Interactions C 3 3 C Interactions between ionizable functional groups on analyte and counter-charged moiety on stationary phase Ion-Exchange Ion-exchange Strong, slow interactions 3 C C 3 N + S i S i 3 C C C 3 3 C S i 3 C S i 3 - C 3 S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i 12
Chromatographic Measurements 13 Chromatographic Measurements 14 k Asym N α
Void Volume Analytes which do not interact with the adsorbent elute from the column in a volume equal to the void volume in the column. The void volume of a column is the amount of mobile phase in the column between the adsorbent particles and in the pores of the porous adsorbent particles. Mobile phase occupies the space between the particles or the interstitial volume. Mobile phase fills the pores of the porous adsorbent particles. 15 Void Volume A compound which does not interact with the adsorbent at all elutes at what is termed the void volume or the solvent front. The time that it takes for non-retained components to elute is the void time or t. void volume solvent front t 16
Retention Factor (k ) The retention factor of the eluting compound is its elution volume (time) relative to the elution volume (time) of an unretained compound. The k value for a given analytes will be determined by its relative affinity for the stationary phase and mobile phase. Retention factor (k )= t R t t t 17 Retention Factor (k ) For any given analyte, the k value will be most readily modified by changing the % of strong mobile phase (e.g. methanol or ACN). Example: The Separation of Steroids: Column used: Phenomenex Luna C18(2) 15 x 4.6 mm 18
Retention Factor (k ): Effect of Changing % ACN 19 Peak Asymmetry (Asym) The asymmetry value (Asym) for a peak is a measure of the divergence of the peak from a perfect Gaussian peak shape. Peaks with asymmetry values > 1. are said to be tailing, those with asymmetry values < 1. are said to be fronting. Asymmetrical peaks can be attributed to a number of factors: (1) Strong secondary interactions (e.g. ionic interactions between basic compounds and residual silanols) (2) Sample overloading (3) Sample solvent incompatibility (4) Poor packing 2
Peak Tailing due to Secondary Interactions Classical peak tailing in reversed-phase methods is most commonly caused by strong ionic interactions between basic analytes and residual silanols on the surface of the silica. C 3 3 C Ion-Exchange 3C 3 C N + S i S i 3 C S i S i C 3-3 C C 3 C 3 S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i S i 21 Peak Tailing due to Secondary Interactions Example: The Separation of Tricyclic Antidepressants: Column used: Kinetex 2.6µ XB-C18 5 x 2.1 mm Brand 2.7µ C18 5 x 2.1mm Amitriptyline (pka 9.4) Nortriptyline (pka 9.7) Protriptyline (pka 8.2) 22
3 25 2 15 1 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 8 6 4 2 DAD1 C, Sig=254,4 Ref=3,1 (DJ4611\DJGSK 211-4-6 12-28-48\GSK6.D) 12 12.5 13 13.5 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 DAD1 C, Sig=254,4 Ref=3,1 (DJ4611\DJGSK 211-4-6 12-28-48\GSK8.D) 12 12.5 13 13.5 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 DAD1 C, Sig=254,4 Ref=3,1 (DJ4611\DJGSK 211-4-6 12-28-48\GSK1.D) 12 12.5 13 13.5 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 Peak Tailing due to Secondary Interactions Brand 2.7µ C18 5x2.1mm Kinetex 2.6µ XB-C18 5x2.1mm Sample 28 (alo C18-5x2, 2.7 um, Me:.1%... XIC of +MRM (8 pairs): 278.2/191.2 Max. Da 1.1e5 ID: Amitrip cps. from Sample 7 (TCA-Kin-XB-C18, 5x2, 2.6, Me... 1 5 5 5 4 1 1 4 Peak tailing Max. 1.2e5 cps. 6 6 2 3 7 8 2 3 7 8 3.4 3.6 3.8 4. 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5. 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8 6. 3.4 3.6 3.8 4. 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5. 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8 6. Time, min Time, min XIC of +MRM (8 pairs): 264.2/191.1 Da ID: Protrip from Sample 28 (alo C18-5x2, 2.7 um, Me:.1%... XIC of +MRM (8 pairs): 264.2/191.1 Max. Da 1.1e5 ID: Protrip cps. from Sample 13 (Kinetex XB-C18-5x2, 2.6 um, Me... Max. 1.2e5 cps. 4 4 6 6 3.4 3.6 3.8 4. 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5. 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8 6. Time, min 3.4 3.6 3.8 4. 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 5. 5.2 5.4 5.6 5.8 6. Time, min 23 Mobile phase: A =.1% Formic acid in water, B = 1% Methanol, Gradient: 15 to 6% B in 5 min, hold for 1 min Flow rate: 4 µl/min 1. Amoxapine 2. Imipramine 3. Desipramine 4. Protriptyline* 5. Amitriptyline 6. Nortriptyline* 7. Clomipramine 8. Norclomipramine Peak Tailing due to Sample verloading Strongly basic analytes are very sensitive to sample loading, and will display peak tailing effects as a function of increasing loading (µg on column): mau 2.5 µg on column; USP Tailing = 1.17 14.28 pka 9.7 min mau 5 µg on column; USP Tailing = 1.34 14.169 min mau 12 µg on column; USP Tailing = 1.87 14.157 24 min
mau min Peak Fronting due to Sample verloading Neutral and acidic compounds will typical show peak fronting when the column is overloaded. Detector saturation! DAD1 A, Sig=24,1 Ref=off (MT42211\DJGSK 211-4-22 9-12-57\MUPIRCIN1.D) 225 2.495 2 175 15 Fronting due to overload 125 1 75 5 25 1.95 45 2.145 25 1.8 1.9 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Peak Fronting due to Sample Solvent Effects Peak fronting can also be due to sample solvent effects: (1) Sample insolubility (2) Sample solvent is too strong: Sample in 5% Methanol 7.e4 6.5e4 6.e4 5.5e4 5.e4 4.5e4 ydromorphone Sample in 1% Methanol 2.2e5 2.e5 1.8e5 1.6e5 Breakthrough! 1.4e5 4.e4 3.5e4 3.e4 1.2e5 1.e5.24 Fronting 2.5e4 8.e4 2.e4 1.5e4 1.e4 5.. Morphine 1.6 1.77 Norhydrocodone.5 1. 1.5 2. 2.5 3. 3.5 4. 6.e4 4.e4 2.e4. 1.36.97.51 1.71 1.79 1.85 2.15 3.213.36 3.97.5 1. 1.5 2. 2.5 3. 3.5 4. 26
Selectivity (α) Selectivity is a measure of the difference in the interactions of two compounds with the stationary phase. Selectivity is a function of both the stationary phase and the mobile phase. α = k 2 /k 1 27 Selectivity (α) The choice of stationary phase will often have a dramatic effect on the selectivity of analytes. C 3 C 3 Estrone Estradiol m A U 1 7 5 C18 Column 1+2 1 5 1 2 5 1 α = 1. 7 5 5 2 5 1 2 3 4 5 m i n m A U 1 Phenyl Column 1 8 6 2 α = 2.3 4 2 28 1 2 3 4 5 m i n
Selectivity (α) But mobile phase is also a very powerful tool in modulating selectivity. Column: Gemini 5 µm C6-Phenyl 15 x 4.6mm Mobile phase: 2mM K2P4, p 2.5; % organic as noted Flow rate: 1. ml/min Detection: UV at 22nm 35% Methanol 1. Saccharin 2. p-ydroxybenzoic Acid 3. Sorbic Acid 4. Dehydroacetic Acid 5. Methylparaben 2% Acetonitrile 29 Column Efficiency (N) The amount of band (peak) broadening or dispersion that occurs in the column is measured by calculating the column efficiency (N) expressed as the number of theoretical plates in the column: tr W 1/2 Columns that cause a lot of peak broadening have few theoretical plates. Columns that produce very narrow peaks (little peak broadening) have a large number of theoretical plates. W 3 Peak Width (W)
Column Efficiency (N) is a Function of Particle Size Efficiency of a well-packed column will be a function of several factors, one of which will be particle size. As particle size decreases, efficiency will increase. In addition, back-pressure also increases as particle size decreases. 1 µm 5 µm 3 µm Core-Shell sub-2 µm 5, P/m 1, P/m 15, P/m 3, P/m 3, P/m Efficiency Back-Pressure 31 The Core-Shell Advantage Fully Porous Particles Columns packed with core-shell particles will deliver significantly higher efficiency (N) than columns packed with fully-porous particles of the same diameter.* Fully Porous Particles w 1/2 Injected Sample Band * Gritti et al., Journal of Chromatography A, 1217 (21) 1589 t R 6
The Core-Shell Advantage Core-Shell Particles Columns packed with core-shell particles will deliver significantly higher efficiency (N) than columns packed with fully-porous particles of the same diameter.* Kinetex Core-Shell Particles w 1/2 5 6 t R * Gritti et al., Journal of Chromatography A, 1217 (21) 1589 The Core-Shell Advantage Comparison Columns packed with core-shell particles will deliver significantly higher efficiency (N) than columns packed with fully-porous particles of the same diameter.* Fully Porous 3 µm C18; 15 x 4.6 mm N = 166,5 p/m Kinetex 2.6 µm C18; 15 x 4.6 mm N = 295,34 p/m 78% Increase in Efficiency! * Gritti et al., Journal of Chromatography A, 1217 (21) 1589 34
The Core-Shell Advantage Efficiency vs. Diameter Columns packed with core-shell particles will deliver significantly higher efficiency (N) than columns packed with fully-porous particles of the same diameter.* 45 Efficiency( p/m) 4 35 3 25 2 15 1 5 Fully Porous Core-Shell 5 3.5/3.6 2.5/2.6 1.7 1.3 Particle Diameter (µm) *Farcas et al., PLC 212 Conference The van Deemter Equation The three principle factors that cause band broadening and a decrease in column efficiency are described by the van Deemter equation: e e * Simplified version: = A d p + B/µ + C d e 2 µ Particle size Particle size Linear velocity (flow rate) Mass Transfer 36 Linear velocity (flow rate) Mobile phase viscosity
The Core-Shell Advantage A-term = A d p + B/u + C d e 2 u Eddy Diffusion Multi-path Effect w 1/2 t R 6 The Core-Shell Advantage B-term = A d p + B/u + C d e 2 u Longitudinal diffusion w 1/2 t R 6
The Core-Shell Advantage Fully Porous C-term = A d p + B/µ + C d e 2 µ Mass Transfer (Kinetics) Dispersion due to resistance to mass transfer A B 39 The Core-Shell Advantage Core-Shell C-term = A d p + B/µ + C d e 2 µ Dispersion due to resistance to mass transfer Mass Transfer (Kinetics) A B
The Core-Shell Advantage h vs. v Comparison = A d p + B/µ + C d e 2 µ Reduced plate height h 15 1 5 4.6 x 1 mm Luna-C 18 (2) Eddy dispersion Longitudinal diffusion Solid-liquid mass transfer Reduced plate height h 15 1 5 4.6 x 1 mm Kinetex-C 18 Eddy dispersion Longitudinal diffusion Solid-liquid mass transfer 5 1 15 2 Reduced velocity ν 5 1 15 2 Reduced velocity ν *Gritti and Guiochon, 212. LC-GC 3(7) 586-595. Effect of Column Length on Efficiency For a given particle size, column efficiency will be directly proportional to the length of the column. owever, pressure and elution time will also be directly proportional to the column length. 5cm 1cm 15cm 25cm 5, Plates 8 min 5 Bar 1, Plates 16 min 1 Bar 15, Plates 24 min 15 Bar 25, Plates 4 min 25 Bar 42
Balancing Column Length and Particle Size Column Length (mm) Efficiency dp 5µm 25 25, 15 15, 1 1, 5 5, 43 Balancing Column Length and Particle Size Column Length (mm) Efficiency dp 5µm Efficiency dp 3µm 25 25, 37,5 15 15, 22,5 1 1, 15, 5 5, 7,5 44
Balancing Column Length and Particle Size Column Length (mm) Efficiency dp 5µm Efficiency dp 3µm Efficiency sub-2µm / Core-shell 25 25, 37,5 15 15, 22,5 45, 1 1, 15, 3, 5 5, 7,5 15, 45 Balancing Column Length and Particle Size Column Length (mm) Efficiency dp 5µm Efficiency dp 3µm Efficiency sub-2µm / Core-shell %Reduction in Analysis Time 25 25, 37,5 15 15, 22,5 45, 33 1 1, 15, 3, 6 5 5, 7,5 15, 8 46 Use shorter columns packed with smaller particles to reduce analysis time while maintaining/improving efficiency!!
Effect of Flow Rate on Efficiency Effect of Flow Rate on Column Efficiency (1x4.6mm) 35 3 Core-Shell ~2 ml/min Core-Shell 2.6 Luna 3u N (Plates/column) 25 2 15 3µ ~1.5 ml/min Luna 5u 1 5 5µ ~1 ml/min 47.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 Flow rate (ml/min) Quick Review The chromatographic measurements that we have discussed so far will all play a significant role in method development. 1. Retention factor (k ) retention of analyte relative to void t Controlled by modulating % strong mobile phase 2. Peak asymmetry peak shape (fronting, tailing, symmetrical) Result of secondary interactions (e.g. Ionic in RP mode) Sensitive to sample loading & sample solvent effects 3. Selectivity (α) difference in the k of two analytes Will be determined by mobile phase composition and nature of stationary phase 4. Efficiency (N) function of peak width and retention Determined by particle size, column length, flow rate Column packing will affect efficiency (vendor) 48
Any Questions? 49 Resolution: The Goal of Chromatography 5
Resolution: The Goal of Liquid Chromatography The goal and the purpose of liquid chromatography is to resolve the individual components of a sample from each other so that they may be identified and/or quantitated. 51 Resolution: The Goal of Liquid Chromatography Resolution is a measure of how well two peaks are separated from each other. It is calculated as the difference in retention time of two eluting peaks divided by the average width of the two peaks at the baseline. R (resolution) = RT B - RT A /.5 (width A + width B ) 52
Resolution: The Goal of Liquid Chromatography α (1) Retention time for the two peaks will be a function of retention factor (k ). k (2) The selectivity (α) will also affect the retention time values for the two peaks. (3) Peak width will be a function of column efficiency (N) and asymmetry (Asym). 53 N, Asym Resolution: The Goal of Liquid Chromatography The equation below allows us to calculate the relative importance of each of these three factors in overall resolution: Efficiency Retention factor Selectivity It is important to note that you (the analyst) have control over each of those factors through your choice of PLC column and running conditions: 1. Efficiency (N) Particle size/morphology and column length 2. Selectivity (α) Stationary phase and mobile phase 3. Retention factor (k ) Stationary phase and mobile phase 54
Resolution: The Relative Effectiveness of k, α, and N Most important determinant of resolution!! Constant increase in resolution Ineffective after k ~1 55 The Impact of Efficiency on Resolution Modulating column efficiency is a very effective way to optimize resolution. There is a strong, linear correlation between N and R s, but it is not a 1:1 ratio. Column efficiency is a flexible tool because we can easily modify it via changes in particle size and column length. Column Length (mm) Efficiency 5µm Efficiency 3µm Efficiency sub-2µm / Core-shell 25 25, 37,5 56 More Pressure Longer Run Time 15 15, 22,5 45, 1 1, 15, 3, 5 5, 7,5 15, More efficiency/resolution More Back-Pressure
The Impact of Efficiency on Resolution Relative Resolution 2.5 2 1.5 1.5 Doubling column efficiency increases R s by a factor of 1.4x 57 1 2 3 4 Column Efficiency (Plates) mau The Impact of Efficiency on Resolution 1 8 6 4 5 µm 8, P/m 2.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 min mau 14 12 1 8 3 µm 15, P/m 6 4 2.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 min 58
ptimizing Efficiency for Maximum Resolution 1. For method development, start with an intermediate column length, packed with the smallest particle size that system pressure limitations will allow. Conventional PLC 3µm 15x4.6mm or core-shell 1x4.6mm UPLC sub-2µm or core-shell particle Work at optimal flow rate for that particle size 2. Fine-tune for maximum productivity: Excessive resolution shorter column, increase flow rate Insufficient resolution longer column; modify flow rate to compensate for pressure 59 The Impact of Retention Factor on Resolution Retention factor is the most important, yet limited, factor in determining resolution. It is crucial to have a reasonable k value because analytes must be retained in order to separate them. The drawback is that at high k values, passive diffusion causes extensive band broadening and loss of performance. 6
ptimizing Retention Factor for Maximum Resolution 1. Adjust k value to be between 2 and 1 In RP, adjust % of organic (acetonitrile or methanol) Altering nature of stationary phase/media can modulate k as well 2. At k < 2, have sub-optimal resolution May also have interference from solvent, non-retained components 3. At k values > 1, band broadening due to diffusion limits resolution gain In RP, complex mixtures of polar and non-polar components will require gradient for optimal performance/run time balance Polar stationary phases can the total elution window of complex mixtures in isocratic mode 61 The Impact of Selectivity on Resolution Small changes in selectivity can have a dramatic effect on retention. This is one of the reason why the same stationary phases from different manufacturers can sometimes give very different results, and also why changes to mobile phase composition can alter the results so strongly. 62
Method Development Exercise 1: ptimization to Reduce Analysis Time and Increase Productivity 63 Mupirocin Impurity Profile Column: C8 25 x 4.6mm 5µm Mobile phase: Flow rate: Components: 7 / 3.1M Ammonium acetate / TF 1. ml/min 1-6 = Impurities A - G 7. Mupirocin Mupirocin 64
min Mupirocin: riginal Method DAD1 A, Sig=24,1 Ref=off (Z:\1\DATA\MT5211\DJGSK 211-5-2 15-34-44\MUPIRCIN1.D) mau 175 7 15 5 125 1 75 5 R s 3/4 =.63; k = 2.3 1 ~16 min 25 2 3 4 6 2 4 6 8 1 12 14 16 Column: Luna 5µ C8(2) 25 x 4.6mm Mobile phase: 7/3.1M Ammonium acetate p 5.7/TF Flow rate: 1. ml/min 65 Step 1. Adjust k for better Resolution 66 Step 1. Reduce % organic to increase k : Increases R s Increases run time
Step 2. ptimize Efficiency and Length Column Length (mm) Efficiency dp 5µm Efficiency dp 3µm Efficiency sub-2µm / Core-shell %Reduction in Analysis Time 25 25, 37,5 15 15, 22,5 45, 33 1 1, 15, 3, 6 5 5, 7,5 15, 8 67 Step 2. Switch to 15x4.6mm 3 µm media: Reduces analysis time Maintains efficiency Step 3. ptimize the Flow Rate 35 3 25 Core-Shell 2.6 Luna 3u Luna 5u N (Plates/column) 2 15 1 5 68.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 Flow rate (ml/min) Step 3. Increase flow rate to 1.5 ml/min: ptimizes efficiency for 3 µm
mau 8 VWD1 A, Wavelength=24 nm (JL5211\MUPI3.D) Mupirocin: Intermediate Method 5 7 6 4 1 k = 9; R s 3/4 = 1.6 2 2 3 4 6 2 min 2 4 6 8 1 12 14 16 18 min Column: Luna 3µ C8(2) 15 x 4.6mm Mobile phase: 8/2.1M Ammonium acetate p 5.7/TF Flow rate: 1.5 ml/min 69 R s increased from.63 to 1.6 Run time increased from 16 to 2 minutes Step 4. Switch to Core-Shell Media Column Length (mm) Efficiency dp 5µm Efficiency dp 3µm Efficiency sub-2µm / Core-shell %Reduction in Analysis Time 25 25, 37,5 15 15, 22,5 45, 33 1 1, 15, 3, 6 5 5, 7,5 15, 8 7 Step 4. Switch to 1x4.6mm Core-Shell media: Reduce analysis time Increase efficiency
Mupirocin: Final ptimized Method mau 25 VWD1 A, Wavelength=24 nm (JL5211\MUPI6.D) 5 7 2 15 1 R s 3/4 = 2.3 1 8 min 5 2 3 4 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 min Column: Kinetex 2.6µ C8 1 x 4.6mm Mobile phase: 8/2.1M Ammonium acetate p 5.7:TF Flow rate: 1.5 ml/min (2mL/min if pressure allows) R s increased from 1.6 to 2.3 Run time decreased from 2 to 8 minutes 71 Mupirocin: Final ptimized Method Initial Method: m A U D AD 1 A, Sig= 24,1 R ef=o ff (Z:\1 \DAT A\MT 5 211\ DJG SK 21 1-5- 2 15-34 -44 \MU PIR C IN 1.D) 1 75 1 5 5 7 1 25 1 75 5 25 1 R s 3/4 =.63 2 3 4 6 16 min 2 4 6 8 1 12 14 16 m i n Final ptimized Method: VWD1 A, Wavelength=24 nm (JL5211\MUPI6.D) mau 25 5 7 2 15 1 1 R s 3/4 = 2.3 8 min 5 2 3 4 6 72 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 min
Any Questions? 73 Part 1. General Chromatographic Theory Part 2. The Stationary Phase: An verview of PLC Media Part 3. Role of the Mobile Phase in Selectivity 74
Fully Porous Silica Polymerization Alkaline Tetraethoxysilane Silica Sol-Gel 99.9% of reactive surface area is internal 75 Fully Porous Silica Advantages: Ability to derivatize with numerous bonded phases igh mechanical strength Excellent efficiency ighly amenable to modulation of material characteristics (pore size, surface area, etc.) Disadvantages: Dissolution of silica at p > ~7.5 (may extend with bonded phase) ydrolysis of bonded phase at p <1.5 76
rganosilica ybrid Particle Conventional Silica Particle rganosilica ybrid Particle Siloxane Bridge Ethane linkage Dissolution at p > 7.5 Stable to p ~12 77 rganosilica ybrid Particle Advantages: Extended p range from 1-12 Performance and strength of conventional silica particle Unique selectivity Disadvantages: Fewer stationary phases available compared to conventional silica (e.g. cyano, amino) 78
Core-Shell Particle.35 µm Porous Shell 2.6 µm Core-Shell Particle 1.9 µm Solid Core 79 Core-Shell Particle Advantages: 3x the efficiency of 5 µm fullyporous media & 2x the efficiency of 3 µm media Pressures compatible with conventional PLC systems* Disadvantages: Pressure is still higher than 3 µm media More sensitive to system extracolumn volumes More sensitive to overload in some cases 8
RP Stationary Phase Classes Alkyl bonded phases (C18, C8, C4): Polar-embedded phases: Fusion Phenyl phases (Phenyl, PFP): Polar-endcapped phases: F F F F F ydro 81 Methylene Selectivity We use the methylene selectivity test to determine the ability of stationary phase to separate molecules based upon differences in their hydrophobic character. In general, very hydrophobic bonded phases (e.g. C18) will display higher levels of methylene selectivity than less hydrophobic phases. m A U 2 5 C18 2 1 5 1 5 m A U 2 4 6 8 1 m i n 4 Phenyl 3 2 1 2 4 6 8 1 m i n 82
Methylene Selectivity.2 C18 > C8 > C5 Phenyl > CN > Amino.18.16 Slope of log k vs. # -C2- units.14.12.1.8.6.4.2. Luna C18(2) Synergi ydro-rp Jupiter C18 Synergi Max-RP Luna C8(2) Luna C5 Luna Phe-ex Jupiter C4 Synergi Polar-RP Prodigy Phenyl Luna Cyano Luna Amino 83 Methylene Selectivity Columns: Mobile phase: Flow rate: Components: 5µm C18 15x4.6mm 5µm C8 15x4.6mm 5µm Phenyl 15x4.6mm 65:35 Acetonitrile:Water 1 ml/min Two steroids: 1. Testosterone 2. Methyltestosterone C 3 C 3 C 3 C 3 C 3 84 Testosterone Methyltestosterone
Phenyl Selectivity Columns: Dimensions: Mobile phase: Flow rate: C18 Phenyl 15 x 4.6 mm 75:25 Methanol:water 1 ml/min C 3 C 3 Components: 1. Estrone 2. Estradiol Estradiol Estrone 85 Phenyl Selectivity C 3 C 3 C18 m A U 1 7 5 1 5 C18 Estradiol Estrone 1+2 1 2 5 1 7 5 5 2 5 1 2 3 4 5 m in Phenyl m A U 1 Phenyl 1 8 2 6 4 2 1 2 3 4 5 m in 86
Aqueous Stability of Embedded Phases Nucleic Acid Bases: Luna C18(2) Day 1 Polar-Endcapped C18 Day 1 2 4 6 8 1 12 Day 2 2 4 6 8 1 12 Day 6 Phase Collapse! 2 4 6 8 1 12 14 min 2 4 6 8 1 12 14 87 Aqueous Stability of Embedded Phases LC/MS/MS Analysis of ETG & ETS in Urine: Polar-Endcapped 2.5 µm C18 1x3.mm XIC of -MRM (6 pairs): 221.2/75. Da ID: ETG-1 from Sample 6 (P-2_yro-RP_1x4.6_4u_FR6... 1.e5 9.5e4 9.e4 8.5e4 Max. 92. cps. 1mM Ammonium formate 8.e4 7.5e4 7.e4 6.5e4 ETG ETS 6.e4 1. Ethyl glucuronide 2. Ethyl sulfate Intensity, cps 5.5e4 5.e4 4.5e4 4.e4 3.5e4 3.e4 2.5e4 2.e4 1.5e4 1.e4 5...5 1. 1.5 2. 2.5 3. 3.5 4. 4.5 5. 5.5 6. 6.5 49 96 144 191 239 287 334 382 429 477 525 572 62 Time, min XIC of -MRM (6 pairs): 221.2/75. Da ID: ETG-1 from Sample 6 (P-2_yro-RP_1x4.6_4u_FR6... Max. 92. cps. 1.1e4 ETG 1.e4 9. ETG ETS 8. 7. Intensity, cps 6. 5. 4. ETS 3. 2. 1...5 1. 1.5 2. 2.5 3. 3.5 4. 4.5 5. 5.5 6. 6.5 49 96 144 191 239 287 334 382 429 477 525 572 62 Time, min 88
Part 1. General Chromatographic Theory Part 2. verview of PLC Media Part 3. Role of the Mobile Phase in Selectivity Solvents for RP Chromatography Mobile phase selection is much more challenging that stationary phase selection because the options are limitless. owever, in practical method development, we can dramatically narrow down the options to focus on those conditions which will give us the highest likelihood of success. Typical RP Solvents: Weak Solvent: Water/Buffer Strong Solvent: Acetonitrile (64) Methanol (34) Composite mixtures (1) TF (1) Frequency of use
Solvent Selectivity The elution strength of a given solvent is determined by its hydrophobicity (e.g. heptane would be stronger than hexane because it is more hydrophobic). The selectivity of a solvent, however, is determined by its polar characteristics (e.g. heptane and hexane would have the same solvent selectivity). Methanol is a strong proton donor and a strong proton acceptor in hydrogen bonding. Acetonitrile has a dipole moment but is only a very weak proton acceptor in hydrogen bonding. N C 3 δ δ + Tetrahyrofuran is able to accept a proton in hydrogen bonding but cannot donate a proton. Solvent Selectivity ptimum Separation of 4 Steroids in Different Solvents:
Solvent Screening for Isocratic Methods 1. Start at high % acetonitrile and work backwards until k is 2-1 (if possible) 8% ACN 4% ACN 25% ACN 21% ACN k = k ~.8 k ~ 6 k ~ 11 Solvent Screening for Isocratic Methods 2. Repeat with alternative solvent:
Buffer Selection for RP-PLC = Typical for LC/UV = Typical for LC/MS Effect of p on Base Silica Any silica-based RP material will have some residual silanols left after bonding and end-capping. These Si- groups can be deprotonated at values above p ~3.5. The deprotonated silanols are more likely to engage in ion-exchange with basic analytes, leading to peak tailing. p <3.5 p >3.5 Si Si Si Si Si Si Si Si Si Si Si Si Silanols protonated Less ion-exchange Less peak tailing Silanols deprotonated Increased ion-exchange Increased peak tailing
Effect of p on Analyte Ionization The primary mechanism of retention in RP chromatography is hydrophobic interaction. Ionizing compounds will cause them to behave as more polar species, and reduce their hydrophobic interaction with the stationary phase, leading to decreased retention. More hydrophobic More strongly retained Less hydrophobic Less strongly retained More hydrophobic More strongly retained Less hydrophobic Less strongly retained The ionization state of a molecule will be determined by the p of the mobile phase. Therefore, mobile phase p will dictate retention behavior of analytes with ionizable functional groups. Effect of p on Analyte Ionization Acidic Compounds: Basic Compounds: Retention Factor (k ) Retention Factor (k )
Effect of p on Analyte Ionization Alkaline + Acidic Alkyl Stationary Phase Aqueous Mobile Phase Effect of p on Analyte Ionization Alkaline + Acidic + Alkyl Stationary Phase Aqueous Mobile Phase
Effect of p on Analyte Retention Amitriptyline (pka 9.4) = (B)ase Toluene = (N)eutral Naproxen (pka 4.5) = (A)cid B A A B A B N N N Gradient Analysis The gradient slope is analogous to solvent strength in isocratic elution. Isocratic Solvent Strength: Increasing the solvent strength reduces analysis time but also reduces resolution. Decreasing the solvent strength increases resolution at the cost of increased analysis time. Solvent strength sometimes affects selectivity Gradient Slope: Increasing the gradient slope reduces analysis time but also reduces resolution. Decreasing the gradient slope increases the resolution at the cost of increased analysis time. Gradient slope sometimes affects selectivity The goal of gradient elution is to optimize resolution while minimizing analysis time.
Temperature in PLC Methods The use of temperature in PLC method development presents a challenge because it can have unpredictable effects on selectivity. The use of elevated temperatures will: 1. Reduce mobile phase viscosity and back-pressure. This can allow you to operate at higher flow rates, or to use longer columns/smaller particle sizes. 2. Reduce elution time. 3. Improve method reproducibility (as opposed to operating at room temperature). owever, it is impossible to determine if the use of elevated temperatures will help or hinder a specific separation. For complex separations, improvements in one portion of the chromatogram are almost always accompanied by decreases in another part of the same chromatogram. End of Section II Any Questions? 14
End of the PLC Method Development Portion