Applications:
Separation of Quaternary Amines

Primesep C separates a mixture of quaternary amines by a combination of cation exchange, complex formation, and hydrophic interactions. Methyltriethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, and tetramethylammonium cations as well as bromide counter ion are separated on a short 50 mm column. The separation uses a mobile phase mixture of water, acetonitrile (MeCN, ACN) and triethylamine acetate with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD).
Condition
Column |
Primesep C, 4.6x50 mm |
Mobile Phase |
MeCN/H2O |
Buffer |
TEA acetate |
Flow Rate |
1.0 ml/min |
Detection |
ELSD |
Description
Class of Compounds
|
Quaternary Amines, Ionizable, Hormone |
Analyzing Compounds |
Methyltriethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, Tetramethylammonium |
BromideMethyltriethylammonium BromideQuaternary AminesTetraethylammoniumTetramethylammonium
Cetylpyridinium Methods with Good Efficiency and Peak Symmetry

Primesep B separates tertiary amines, such as cetylpyridinium with symmetrical peak shape by a combination of reversed-phase and ion-exclusion mechanisms. The embedded basic functional group on the stationary phase shields the underlying silanols to prevent peak tailing. Retention time can be changed by changing either organic content or acid content in the mobile phase. C18 reversed-phase columns do not typically show this tuning ability with acid content. Excellent peak shape results with a mass spec compatible mobile phase of water, acetonitrile (MeCN, ACN) and trifluoracetic acid (TFA) with UV detection at 250 nm.
Condition
Column |
Primesep B, 4.6x150 mm, 5 µm, 100A |
Mobile Phase |
MeCN/H2O |
Buffer |
TFA |
Flow Rate |
1.0 ml/min |
Detection |
UV 210nm |
Description
Class of Compounds
|
Surfactant, Hydrophobic, Ionizable |
Analyzing Compounds |
Cetylpyridinium Chloride |
Cetylpyridinium ChloridePyridinium IonQuaternary Amines
Retention Characteristics of Betaine in Mixed-Mode HPLC

The retention of the zwitterion betaine on Primesep 200 demonstrates the tunability of Primesep columns. Retention of betaine is altered by acid type, amount of acid in the mobile phase, and the amount of organic solvent. Typical reversed-phase columns do not show this tunability with simple mass spec compatible mobile phases of water, acetonitrile (MeCN, ACN) and trifluoracetic acid (TFA) with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD).
BetaineQuaternary AminesZwitterion