Optimization of the separation conditions of tetracyclines on a preselected reversed-phase column with embedded urea group.

The use of a C12 stationary phase with embedded polar group has been investigated for the separation of seven tetracyclines. The influence of pH, organic modifier, buffer, and temperature on the peak shape and analyte separation was discussed. It appears that all the chromatographic conditions had a great effect on both the resolution and peak shape whereas the elution order was not affected. The baseline separation with symmetrical peaks of the seven tetracyclines can be obtained with a mobile phase containing either 5 mM phosphate buffer pH 2.5/ACN (84:16 v/v) or 5 mM perchlorate buffer pH 2.5/ACN (75:25 v/v) at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees C. This study reveals that the retention mechanism is ion-pairing.