Two-dimensional chromatography of complex polymers, 8. Separation of fatty alcohol ethoxylates simultaneously by end group and chain length

J Sep Sci. 2010 Jun;33(10):1375-81. doi: 10.1002/jssc.200900775.

Abstract

A comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography system was developed to precisely describe the molecular heterogeneity of fatty alcohol ethoxylates. The end-group functionality was analyzed by gradient HPLC while ethylene oxide oligomer distributions were characterized by liquid adsorption chromatography. A baseline separation of all functionality fractions irrespective of the ethylene oxide oligomer chain length was achieved on nonpolar X-Terra C(18) with a methanol-water gradient, whereas an isocratic flow of isopropanol-water on a polar Chromolith Si column gave a separation according to the oligomer chain length without interference of the end-group distribution. The combination of these two methods to conduct online two-dimensional liquid chromatography experiments resulted in a comprehensive two-dimensional picture on the molecular heterogeneity of the sample.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Fatty Alcohols / chemistry*
  • Fatty Alcohols / isolation & purification*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Fatty Alcohols
  • Polymers