Separation of inorganic and organic anions by capillary zone electrophoresis with simultaneous indirect UV and conductivity detection.

The analysis of low-molecular-mass anionic compounds using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with simultaneous direct conductivity and indirect UV detection is described. A number of carrier electrolyte compositions has been investigated with respect to the crucial parameters for their compatibility with both detection principles discussed in this paper (UV absorptivity and electrophoretic mobility of the buffer coion). Additionally, parameters including pH and buffer concentration affecting both peak symmetry and signal-to-noise ratio obtained for the analytes of interest had to be optimized. Best results could be achieved with a carrier electrolyte consisting of 4-aminobenzoic acid, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)imino-tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (BIS-Tris) and a pH of 7.0 adjusted with LiOH. This running buffer was used for the analysis of low-molecular-mass anionic compounds in a sample of white wine.