Separation of cresols using coelectroosmotic capillary electrophoresis

A new method of capillary electrophoresis was established to separate the three cresol isomers. Cresols are of importance due to their use as insecticides, precursors of various dye intermediates, resins, fire-resistant fluids and other purposes. Reversion of the electroosmotic flow was carried out by a polycationic ammonium compound. The separations were carried out at high pH values (pH 12) to obtain complete dissociation of the cresols and short times of analysis (less than 5 min) through fast migration of the cresol towards the anode. Various aliphatic alcohols were added to improve peak shape and resolution.