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Ionic liquids as electrolytes for nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis
Merike Vaher1, Mihkel Koel, Mihkel Kaljurand
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry at Tallinn Technical University, Tallinn, Estonia. merike@chemnet.ee
Electrophoresis
|March 1, 2002
Summary
Ionic liquids in acetonitrile enable nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis for hydrophobic compounds. This method adjusts analyte mobility and separation by altering charge and forming complexes.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Separation Science
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Acetonitrile is suitable for nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (CE), expanding its use to hydrophobic analytes.
- Traditional CE methods have limitations with hydrophobic species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes in acetonitrile for nonaqueous capillary electroseparations.
- To explore how ILs affect analyte mobility and separation efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) miscible with acetonitrile at room temperature.
- Adjusted electrolyte concentration and the anionic part of the IL to influence electrophoretic mobility.
- Analyzed the charge induction and potential complex formation between analytes and ILs.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that ILs in acetonitrile can effectively alter analyte mobility.
- Showcased the ability to achieve separation of different analytes through IL-induced charging and complexation.
- Successfully applied the method for the separation of phenols and aromatic acids.
Conclusions:
- Ionic liquids are effective electrolytes for nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis in acetonitrile.
- The choice of IL and its concentration are critical for optimizing separations.
- This approach enhances CE capabilities for hydrophobic and complex analyte mixtures.
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