Computer simulation for the convenient optimization of isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separations by varying temperature and mobile phase strength.
Software is described which allows the rapid development of separations by means of isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC), based on the optimization of column temperature (T) and mobile phase strength (%B). For a given sample, four initial experiments are carried out at two different temperatures, using either isocratic or (better) gradient elution. If isocratic experiments are chosen for computer simulation, it is necessary to select appropriate values of %B for these initial runs. Literature data for solute retention as a function of T are reviewed, as a basis for estimating suitable values of %B at the two values of T selected. The use of optimized values of T and %B led to acceptable separations for three representative samples. The prediction of isocratic separation on the basis of initial gradient experiments is more convenient than the use of initial isocratic experiments, but less reliable. When gradient experiments are used, one additional isocratic experiment can improve the accuracy of such predictions by a "reflection" procedure. The latter approach was confirmed for predictions of both isocratic and gradient separation from initial gradient experiments.