Functions of Buffers in Reverse Phase HPLC Separations

Reverse phase separations of polar and ionizable compounds requires precise control

of pH using buffers.

This ensures reproducible retention times and freedom from tailing of peaks retention times and freedom from tailing of peaks. 

Buffering also prevents interactions between analytes and residual silanols on the stationary phase.

Reverse phase separations can be conveniently carried out in the pH range of 2.0 – 7.5. 

However, reproducibility of results is achieved if pH is maintained within +/- 1 pH unit of the pka value of the buffering ion. For reference the useful ranges of commonly used puffers are given here :

Buffer	pka at 250C	pH range
Phosphate	2.1	1.1-3.1
	7.2	6.2 – 8.2
	12.3	11.3 – 13.3
Acetate	4.8	3.8-5.8
Borate	9.2	8.2-10.2
Triethylamine	10.8	9.8-11.8

Factors governing choice of buffers

UV cut-off values

Buffer choice should be based on transparency at the wavelength of detection. The UV cut-off of buffers commonly used lie from about 230 nm to below 200 nm.

Compatibility with mobile phase

Buffers should be compatible with the mobile phase. These should not precipitate as precipitate formation can cause irreparable damage to the pump and the chromatography column.

Buffer choice with the LC – MS systems

Choice of buffers is limited for LC – MS applications as the buffer should have high volatility. Phosphate buffers are not suitable for this purpose. Commonly used are ammonium salts such as ammonium acetate pH 2.0 – 3.8, ammonium formate pH 2.7 to 3.7 and ammonium carbonate pH 6.6 to 8.6.

Buffer concentration

Increasing buffer concentration leads to faster elution of polar molecules. This can be used to resolve co-eluting peaks but higher concentrations increase viscosity resulting in high column back pressure.

Silica-based columns tend to dissolve even below pH 7.0 and solubility becomes an issue when mixed with an organic solvent at high concentrations. Concentrations below 0.005M generally makes buffer ineffective. A concentration range of 10 to 50 mM is normally adequate for most applications. As a general rule not more than about 50% by volume of organic solvent should be used.

Recommended Buffer preparation sequence

• Dissolve the powder and make up the volume to the mark.
• pH adjustment should be made before mixing with the organic medium
• Filter through a 0.45 μm filter for analytical HPLC and 0.22μm for the UHPLC applications

Essential precautions when using buffer solutions

• Buffers are a good media for growth of micro- organisms. Prepare fresh solutions as far as possible and set short expiry periods.
• After using buffers flush system with same proportion of water – organic solvent mixture followed by pure water and then the storage solvent. This is necessary to prevent buffer salts from depositing on pump components and inside columns if the system remains out of use for long periods

Now you have understood the importance of buffer control in reverse phase separations please do leave your questions and comments on the content of this article.