Effect of short-chain alcohols on surfactant-mediated reversed-phase liquid chromatographic systems

The behaviour of β-blockers in a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) column with mobile phases containing a short-chain alcohol (methanol, ethanol or 1-propanol), with and without the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), was explored. Two surfactant-mediated RPLC modes were studied, where the mobile phases contained either micelles or only surfactant monomers at high concentration. Acetonitrile was also considered for comparison purposes. A correlation was found between the effects of the organic solvent on micelle formation (monitored by the drop weight procedure) and on the nature of the chromatographic system (as revealed by the retention, elution strength and peak shape of β-blockers). When SDS is added to the mobile phase, the free surfactant monomers bind the C18 bonded chains on the stationary phase, forming an anionic layer, which attracts strongly the cationic β-blockers. The retention is modified as a consequence of the solving power of the organic solvent, micelles and surfactant monomers. The molecules of organic solvent bind the micelles, modify their shape, and may avoid their formation. They also bind the monomers of surfactant, desorbing them from the stationary phase, which affects the retention. The remaining surfactant covers the free silanols on the siliceous support, avoiding the interaction with the cationic solutes. The retention of β-blockers results from a combination of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, the latter being weaker compared to the hydro-organic system. The peak efficiencies and asymmetries are excellent tools to probe the surfactant layer on the stationary phase in an SDS/organic solvent system. The peaks will be nearly symmetrical wherever enough surfactant coats the stationary phase (up to 60% methanol, 40% ethanol, 35% 1-propanol, and 50% acetonitrile).