ANALYTICAL HIGH-SPEED COUNTERCURRENT CHROMATOGRAPHY

The resolution of countercurrent distribution has long been demonstrated. However, the long elution time limits its analytical applications. The development of a high speed planet centrifuge has markedly improved the efficiency of the system; thus the countercurrent chromatography can be completed within several hours instead of days. The most effective approach to improve the efficiency is to use a smaller diameter tubing for the multilayer coiled column, because it provides for better phase mixing. The analytical capability of the new system is evidenced by the separation of indole plant hormones, plant alkaloids and herbicides.