Development of a method for selection of mobile and stationary phase in counter-current chromatography
In Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)*, the choice of the mobile and stationary phases (=biphasic liquid systems) is almost limitless, what makes this technique extremely versatile and allows for a tailor-made system. The selection of a suitable biphasic liquid system is the first and most important step, and may present a large part of the entire work needed to complete a successful separation. Currently, the selection is made by “trial and error” screening procedures, using a limited number of solvent mixtures, without a big concern for the solvent price, toxicity and recovery of the solvents.
The objective of this project is to develop a general and systematic method for selecting biphasic liquid systems in CPC. The method takes into account all preparative scale relevant parameters and involves minimal experimental effort. This is achieved by using thermodynamic models (COSMO-RS, UNIFAC, NRTL) for the calculation of the solute solubility, liquid-liquid equilibrium, and solute partition coefficient.
* Also as Counter-Current Chromatography (CCC)
References
- A. Frey, E. Hopmann, M. Minceva, Selection of Biphasic Liquid Systems in Liquid-Liquid Chromatography Using Predictive Thermodynamic Models
- E. Hopmann, A. Frey, M. Minceva “A priori selection of the mobile and stationary phase in centrifugal partition chromatography and counter-current chromatography” J. Chromatogr. A, 1238, 68–76, 2012.
- E. Hopmann, W. Arlt, M. Minceva “Solvent system selection in counter-current chromatography using conductor-like screening model for real solvents” J. Chromatogr. A, 1218, 242–250, 2011.