Improved separation of sucrose ester isomers using gradient high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detection is described for the analysis of commercial sucrose esters. The binary gradient consists initially of 75% methanol and 25% water. After 70 min, the ratio is changed to 95% methanol and 5% water. The gradient is then reverted back to the initial ratio after 120 min for another injection. This procedure provides a complete separation of monoesters and diesters with different acyl chain lengths (C-16 and C-18). The monoester analyzed was resolved into 3-6 peaks and diesters into 14-18 peaks. The identities of monoesters with various acyl chain lengths were further established by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). This HPLC procedure has several advantages over other reported methods in terms of improved resolution and simultaneous separation of mono- and diesters. With this method it is, thus, possible to determine the approximate composition of mono- and diester of sucrose esters in one analysis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.