HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Separation of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid on an Obelisc R Column

Melamine is an organic basic compound that is derived from cyanamide. It contains 66% nitrogen by mass. Addition of melamine is used to increase protein count in milk products. Cyanuric acid is a trimer of cyanic acid. Melamine and cyanuric acid can form a insoluble complex. Both compounds has been linked as additives to modify nitrogen count in products. Cyanuric acid is a slightly acidic hydrophilic compound, while melamine is a basic hydrophilic compound. Both compounds were separated on Obelisc R reversed-phase ion-exchange column with LC/Ms compatible mobile phase. Method can be used for generic analysis of basic and acidic compounds with LC/MS compatible conditions.