Separation of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine by Capillary Electrophoresis / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To establish a capillary electrophoresis method to separate ephedrine and psedudoephedrine. Methods RM-β-CD and HP-β-CD were set as additives. A capillary electrophoresis method was set up. The effects of types and concentrations of additives, the concentrations and pH values of buffered solution, running voltage and organic solvent on the separation of ephedrine and psedudoephedrine were investigated.Results Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine could be successfully separated by using either RM-β-CD or HP-β-CD as additives. When RM-β-CD was used as additive, the best separation conditions were as follows separation voltage 10 kV, 25 mmol/L Tris-H3PO4 (pH 2.42), 20 mg/mL of RM-β-CD. Under the conditions, the resolution of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was 1.56 and they were separated successfully within 13 min. When HP-β-CD was used as additive, the best separation conditions were as follows separation voltage 10 kV, 25 mmol/L Tris-H3PO4 (pH 3.00), 50 mg/mL of HP-β-CD. Under the conditions, the resolution of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was 2.73 and they were separated successfully within 15 min.ConclusionThis method is reliable, rapid and repeatable. It can be used as separation determination method for ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.