On-column isomerization of sugars during high-performance liquid chromatography: Analysis of the elution profile

Four monosaccharides (glucose, galactose, mannose and fructose) and one disaccharide (maltose) were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography with UV or refractive index detection. Various profiles such as broad, tailed and splitted peaks were produced, depending on column temperature and eluent flow-rate because these saccharides underwent isomerization. In contrast, alpha-methylglucoside, a non-converting derivative, always produced a sharp peak. By analyzing these profiles kinetic constants of the isomerization were obtained and compared with the literature data.