FUNDAMENTAL RPLC THEORIES

Reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) is one of the most used te chniques of separation. Based on thermodynamic laws, different theoret ical models have been built to take into account the experimental resu lts obtained with RPLC These models are also used in a predictive way. Two fundamental theories (solvophobic theory and partition theory) ha ve been developed for this purpose. They are described in this article , showing their differences and similar predictions. For using these t wo theories in a practical way, a number of parameters are required Th us, other simpler theories have been established A review describing s ix different models is given. They use different concepts such as the two-layer continuum, the hydrophobic fragmental constants (Rekker), th e solubility parameters, the solvatochromic parameters, the interactio n indexes and the homologous series. The relation between the two pred ictive theories and each of the simplified ones as well as the precisi on of their respective prevision are evoked. Their ease of use and pra ctical consequences are also discussed