HPLC Method for the Determination of Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, and Ascorbic Acid on Primesep S2 Column

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method for Analysis of Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, and Ascorbic Acid

Acetaminophen (or paracetamol) is one of the most popular over-the-counter painkillers all over the world (in the US it is best known under the brand name Tylenol). Ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) helps your body build up muscle, cartilage, and other important building blocks in your body. Phenylephrine is a common over-the-counter decongestant, but can also be used for pupil dilation and hemorrhoid treatment. While all of these compounds are available at your local pharmacy, Vitamin C intake can reduce the body’s ability to break down acetaminophen.

You can find detailed UV spectra of Acetaminophen and information about its various lambda maxima by visiting the following link.

You can find detailed UV spectra of Ascorbic Acid and information about its various lambda maxima by visiting the following link.

All three of these compounds can be measured at low UV. Using a Primsep S normal phase column and a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (MeCN) with an Ammonium acetate (AmAc) buffer, these three compounds can be separated and UV detected at 270 nm. Varying the buffer concentration changes the order in which phenylephrine and ascorbic acid are retained. This method is compatible with Mass Spectrometry.