SEPARATION OF ALKALI AND ALKALINE-EARTH METAL AND AMMONIUM CATIONS BYCAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS WITH INDIRECT UV ABSORBENCY DETECTION

Carrier electrolytes combining complexing effects of negatively charge d counter ions and electroneutral 18-crown-6 were investigated in the separations of alkali and alkaline earth metal and ammonium cations by capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect UV absorption detection. The use of tartrate with 18-crown-6 at a 0.04 mol l(-1) concentration permitted the complete resolution of these cations in one electrophor etic run. Benzimidazole served as a visualization co-ion for indirect detection at 254 nm. The separation of some alkali and alkaline earth metal and ammonium cations in rain, tap and mineral water samples illu strates the application potential of the proposed approach.