A novel method of prediction and optimization for preparative high-performance liquid chromatography separation.

The preparation of components from a complex sample is a difficult task. The optimization of the separation and subsequent scale-up is usually carried out by trial and error. In this study, the relationship between retention parameters a and c for analytical and preparative separations was developed when the same solid adsorbent and mobile phase were used. The prediction and optimization of the preparative separation of a complex sample could be achieved by direct and simple conversion of the experimentally determined data from an analytical level. The novel method was successfully applied to optimize the separation of target compounds in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).