This document describes a new method for separating seven synthetic/artificial food colors. The method uses a gradient method and a phosphate buffer-acetonitrile mobile phase with Agilent HC(2)/TC(2) reversed phase columns. The method is suitable for many samples and can be used to analyze these colors in beverages.
This document details a method for separating seven synthetic or artificial food colorants (Red #33, Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, etc.) using reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The method utilizes the Agilent TC-C18(2) column with a gradient mobile phase of phosphate buffer and methanol. The note highlights the column's ability to achieve baseline resolution and symmetrical peaks for these polar compounds.
| Column Dimensions | 4.6 mm x 150 mm |
|---|---|
| Particle Size | 5 µm |
| Carbon Load | 12% |
| Flow Rate | 1 mL/min |
| Detector Wavelength | 254 nm |
| Temperature | 30°C |
The TC-C18(2) column with a carbon load of 12% is recommended for mixtures of polar compounds.
The TC-C18(2) has a lower carbon load (12%) compared to the HC-C18(2) (17%), making it more hydrophilic and better for polar analytes.