Measurement of salicylic acid by a high-performance liquid chromatography procedure based on ion-exchange

An improved method for the detection and quantification of salicylic acid is described. This procedure utilised a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) approach based on ion-exchange, coupled to a multi-detector system. This ameliorated the problems associated with resolution that are a characteristic feature of other methodologies. Furthermore, the increased sensitivity of this procedure supported a mini-scale format, which was both rapid and convenient. As the eluent from the ion exchange column was converted to water in the suppressor, this separation technique could also be linked directly to mass spectroscopy, providing more powerful characterization.