Analysis of the Non-Ionic Surfactant Triton-X Using UltraPerformance Convergence Chromatography (UPC2) with MS and UV Detection

Significance of the Topic

Non-ionic surfactants such as Triton X-100 are fundamental components in household and industrial cleaning formulations, cosmetics, and agrochemicals due to their excellent detergent, emulsifying, and wetting properties. Accurate monitoring of oligomer distribution, impurities, and degradation products is critical for ensuring product performance, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the use of Waters UltraPerformance Convergence Chromatography (UPC²) coupled with photodiode array (PDA) and tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) detection for rapid, high-resolution separation and characterization of Triton X-100 oligomers. The study aims to demonstrate improved analysis speed and reduced solvent consumption compared to traditional HPLC, GC, and SFC methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Chromatographic separations were performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPC² system equipped with a BEH column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 µm). Detection and data handling details include:

• PDA detection: ACQUITY UPC² PDA Detector, wavelength range 210–400 nm, resolution 4.8 nm, column temperature 40 °C, back pressure 1500 psi.
• MS detection: Xevo TQD, electrospray ionization in positive mode, capillary voltage 3.5 kV, source temperature 150 °C, desolvation at 500 °C, gas flows of 800 L/hr (desolvation) and 50 L/hr (cone), column temperature 65 °C, back pressure 1600 psi.
• Mobile phase: CO₂ with methanol as modifier using optimized gradients for UV and MS detection.
• Injection volume: 1 µL; data acquisition with Empower 3 (UV) and MassLynx (MS).

Main Results and Discussion

Under UPC²–PDA conditions, baseline separation of approximately 20 Triton X-100 oligomers was achieved in under 2 minutes, with clear resolution of major series. Employing a slower gradient and MS detection provided additional insight into minor series, by-products, impurities, and degradation products. Mass spectra confirmed oligomer chain lengths and revealed previously undetected minor components.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid analysis (<2 minutes) with high efficiency and resolution for complex oligomer mixtures.
• Lower operational temperatures preserve thermally labile compounds compared to GC or traditional SFC.
• Significant reduction in toxic organic solvent usage versus normal-phase HPLC.
• Enhanced detection and characterization of impurities, by-products, and minor surfactant series through MS.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

UPC² shows strong potential for broader adoption in surfactant analysis and quality control across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring. Future developments may include integration with high-resolution MS for deeper molecular profiling, automated sample preparation workflows, and application to other complex oligomeric and amphiphilic mixtures.

Conclusion

Waters UPC² combined with UV and MS detection offers a rapid, high-resolution, and environmentally friendly approach for detailed analysis of non-ionic surfactants like Triton X-100. This method supports robust quality control and advanced research applications by delivering fast separations, reduced solvent consumption, and comprehensive impurity profiling.

Reference

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