Analysis of chemical weapons degradation products by capillary electrophoresis with UV detection.

CE with UV detection is investigated for the separation and detection of 27 chemical weapons (CW) degradation products. Both capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) separation techniques are used with direct and indirect UV detection. Optimal buffer systems and instrumental conditions are established for a representative collection of chemical warfare degradation compounds. Anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and neutral components are determined with either direct UV absorbance or indirect UV displacement. Sodium dodecyl sulfate is used as the micelle-forming surfactant, and phenylphosphonic acid is used as the background electrolyte in borate buffer solutions. This evaluation is designed to demonstrate the applicability of CE as an analytical method in CW detection.