Lawrence Loo

The use of mobile phase pH to control analyte ionization states (pH-LCâ„¢) in reversed phase HPLC separations is a highly effective way to change selectivity. The ionized species of an analyte is shown to have higher polarity (less hydrophobicity) than the neutral species, which results in a loss of expected retention for that analyte. This can be attributed to less interaction with the hydrophobic stationary phase and greater affinity with the aqueous portion of the mobile phase. Ionized species also participate in ionic interactions with exposed and activated silanols, which impact peak shape and reproducibility.