nonionic detergents

VERNON SHOUP (vernon.shoup@regpha.com)
01 May 98 15:45:38 -0400

Several days ago, I submitted a note asking for analysis methods for nonionic detergents, and the response was deafeningly quiet. In the meantime, I came up with a gas chromatography method:

"Analysis of Triton X-100 (Nonionic Detergent) Using the HP 5890
Series II Gas Chromatograph" by P. Sandra, F. David and Roger L.
Firor, August 1989
HP Application Note 228-103

In this method, the Triton X-100 is silylated with BSTFA. A capillary column is used with hydrogen carrier gas, and a temperature gradient from 80C to 400C is applied. A large number of peaks (>16) are observed because of the expected heterogeneity (MWs from 250 to 1100).
So here are my questions:

1. Is GC the method of choice for analysis of nonionic detergents?
2. Are there any HPLC methods that might be used? I assume the extreme heterogeneity (from a biochemist's viewpoint) makes rpHPLC not a viable option.

3. If I inject an aqueous samples (containing Triton X-100) onto a rpHPLC column, do these detergents interfere with other analyses? i.e. do the various species come off all over the place, or do they stick and change the chromatographic characteristics of the column?

Vernon

Vernon A. Shoup
QC, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Rensselaer, NY 12144

(518)488-6012
vernon.shoup@regpha.com