An accurate and robust multicomponent quantitative analysis method: Molar mass coefficient method

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Analysis
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Multicomponent quantitative analysis (MCQA) is crucial for complex samples like medicines and foods.
• The external standard (ES) method for MCQA is limited by scarce reference substances and high costs.
• Existing methods face challenges in accuracy and practicality for diverse compound quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel Molar Mass Coefficient (MMC) method for MCQA.
• To enable quantification of multiple compounds with identical chromophores using a single reference compound (SRC).
• To overcome limitations of the external standard (ES) method in terms of cost and reference material availability.

Main Methods:

• Developed the Molar Mass Coefficient (MMC) method utilizing a UV detector.
• Established a linear equation for a single reference compound (r) and derived quantitative equations for other components (i) using molar masses.
• Validated the MMC method with simulated flavonoid samples and real-world Scutellariae Radix and Ginkgo dry extracts.

Main Results:

• The MMC method accurately quantified flavonoids, showing results consistent with the traditional ES method.
• Demonstrated significantly reduced relative standard deviations (RSD%) for baicalin (0.73%) and kaempferol (1.02%) compared to the ES method (5.72% and 4.96%).
• The method proved feasible and robust in analyzing complex natural product extracts.

Conclusions:

• The Molar Mass Coefficient (MMC) method offers a highly accurate, robust, and cost-effective alternative for MCQA.
• This approach simplifies the analysis of multiple compounds in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and food science.
• The MMC method addresses the limitations of traditional methods, paving the way for broader applications in chemical analysis.