Use of the simplex method to optimize the mobile phase for the micellar chromatographic separation of inorganic anions.

The sequential simplex strategy has been used to optimize the mobile phase used for separation of inorganic anions by micellar chromatography on a C(18)- micro Bondapak column, with absorption detection at 230 nm. The amount of acetonitrile and the concentration of phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) were chosen for optimization. The optimum mobile phase was found to be 38% acetonitrile in 18.2 mmol L(-1) phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) containing 10 mmol L(-1) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB); this optimum was achieved within seven experiments. The separation of the five anions (nitrite, nitrate, iodide, thiocyanate, and thiosulfate) was accomplished in 18 min.