Analyzing Morphine by HPLC Can Be Done Easily

Separating compounds of special interest like morphine can be difficult but also fun. I find it very challenging because amines such as morphine have a tendency to interact with residual silanol groups in an HPLC column, which shows up in the chromatogram as a tailing analyte peak.

Accurate determination of peak area assumes a symmetrical Gaussian peak shape and therefore tailing comprises the reliability of the data. Peak tailing can also overlap into neighboring peaks as well, creating other problems. The USP assay methods for morphine require ion pair reagents to prevent the analyte–silanol interactions. However, these reagents cannot be used in LC-MS and limit the applications of the assay methods.

We presented a method using our innovative Diamond Hydride™ column that not only is completely LC-MS compatible, but also produces excellent retention, efficiency, and peak shape for this problematic analyte. This has made life as a chromatographer easier for me when my boss gives me such a challenge.

http://kb.mtc-usa.com/article/AA-01128