Evaluation of column temperature as a means to alter selectivity in the cation exchange separation of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and amines.

The merits of varying column temperature in a cation exchange separation of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and amines are considered. Increasing the column temperature (up to 60 degrees C) reduced the retention of all cations, but by varying extents. Consequently, selectivity changes were seen, with reversals in elution order in some cases. To ascertain when temperature is most useful as a separation aid, analytes were classed into three groups according to their temperature behaviour: alkali metals; alkaline earth metals; and amines. Adjusting the column temperature caused selectivity changes between analytes in different groups, but no selectivity changes occurred between analytes in the same group. Further, temperature was compared to the addition of modest amounts of acetonitrile as another means to alter selectivity. The benefits of elevated temperature were not just limited to selectivity changes. Improvements in the efficiencies of all analytes were noted at 60 degrees C. This was especially true for the amines which are severely tailed at ambient temperatures.