Fast and universal HPLC method for determination of permethrin in formulations using 1.8-μm particle-packed column and performance comparison with other column types.

An HPLC method has been developed for the fast separation and quantification of permethrin using C18 column packed with 1.8 µm particles. The method is specific with good resolution to degradation products and to other present components. It has acceptable validation results. The run time is 4.5 min (or may be within 1.6 min is rapid resolution mode) with an organic solvent consumption of 3.6 mL per run. The method has been applied to samples of formulations for various uses: mattress cleaner, shampoo, and veterinary powder. The performance of the applied column is compared with other common column types. The relationships between linear velocity of the mobile phase (u) and resolution factor (Rs), back-pressure (ΔP), and efficiency (H) are presented. The experimental data shows the advantages of 1.8-µm particle columns to be a significant reduction in solvent consumption (by factor of 4.4 and 1.5) and a reduction in run-time (by factor 4.7 and 1.5), and the weaknesses are a high back-pressure and lower efficiency. Finally, it has been shown that use of 1.8-µm particle packed columns with conventional HPLC systems is possible, but with limitations in mobile phase flow-rate.