We have problems with the LC-MS analysis of samples after their electrolysis.
A simple LH20 matrix or say G25 or say strong ion-exchange column would help getting rid of the electrolytes being bound to matrix and thus getting your compounds (unless they are highly charged as well; with some loss definitely!) separated from the electrolytes. If your compounds are larger than 1kDa (1000 MW) then you cana lso use 1 kDa or other cut-off dialysis membranes to get rid of very small electrolytes which would be washed away. best wishes.
Thank you, I will try the ion exchanger, but I am afraid I will also lose part of the target compound since they might be also charged.
I think that in your case the dialysis membrane should be used selecting the size you need. In the past I used also Dalton ultrafilters that were available from 5 KDa to 100 KDa from Sartorious (planar filters with pores conically cutted)
Best regards
Sabino
Assuming the electrolytes are less retained than the analytes on a reversed phase column, you could divert the outlet to waste and use a make-up flow to the ion source.
A better and relatively glitch-free solution is 2-D LC, perhaps in an automated sample prep implementation. The two columns could have identical stationary and mobile phases here. There are plenty of good reasons for doing it this way, one of them being that you can purge the first column, perhaps with back-flush, while the analytes are on the second one.
What kind of samples are these ?
Waters has a bunch of solid phase extraction materials that may be useful. You may choose one of those depending on the analyte in question to clean up your sample.
http://www.waters.com/waters/en_US/Sample-Preparation-Products/nav.htm?cid=511517
The first step should involve suitable organic phase extractant to separate the the target compound which is most likely organic in nature.Second step would involve separation of electrolyte impurities (in very small amount) which might have been extracted along with the target compound while extraction operation.This can be done by passing it through ultrafilteration membranes.
Thank you for your the ideas. I must add that the target analytes are unknown, small and very polar compounds. I will try ultrafiltration and the 2D-LC.
Regards
Maria
If the electrolyts are salt, you may try to load your sample into a C18 SPE cartridge. Check first if your polar compound will stay on the SPE, rinse the SPE with water and elute with solvent or mixture of water:solvent (methanol or acetonitrile).
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