Separation of carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives by HPLC with cation-exchange columns at high pH.

Cation-exchange columns were found to be stable when used at high pH and high temperature for high-performance liquid chromatographic separations of carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives. Pulsed amperometric detection and refractive index detection were found to be suitable detection modes with these cation-exchange columns. Significant differences in carbohydrate separation selectivity were observed between cation-exchange and anion-exchange columns.