Simultaneous analysis of cationic, anionic, and neutral compounds using monolithic CEC columns

A new capillary electrochromatography (CEC) column for the simultaneous analysis of cationic, neutral, and anionic compounds using CEC-ESI-MS is described. Three different silica monolith columns were prepared by changing the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) contents for comparison of the separation property of these columns. Different separation programs were used for the simultaneous separation of different charged compounds under the same conditions. The column prepared with 80 mg of PEG separated typical compounds within 15 min using 1 M formic acid as the electrolyte. The analytes migrated in the order of cationic, neutral, and anionic compounds, which means that the migration order was mainly determined by the electrophoresis. The hydrodynamic flow by pressure from the inlet side was significant for a stable analysis to be achieved. The effect of the composition of the sheath liquid was also examined. All analytes (14 amino acids, thiourea, urea, citric acid, and ATP) were detectable when 1% acetic acid in 50% (v/v) methanol was used as the sheath liquid.