EVOLUTION FROM UNIVARIATE TO MULTIVARIATE OPTIMIZATION METHODS IN LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

The rational evolution of optimization methods, from univariate to mul tivariate, is described together with selected examples of their appli cation. A novel approach, parametric modulation, is then proposed whic h overcomes many limitations of the present methods. In this approach, each mobile phase, stationary phase, temperature, etc. to be optimize d is maintained in discrete and separate zones along the column. The o verall retention is a rigorously predictable function of the retention time in each individual environment. Hence, complete multivariate opt imization can be achieved with good accuracy using a minimum number of preliminary experiments. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.