Analysis of ubidecarenone (CoQ(10)) aqueous samples using reversed phase liquid chromatography

A novel method was developed for the quantitative determination of ubidecar enone (CoQ(10)) in aqueous media. using non aqueous reversed phase liquid c hromatography. Standards were prepared by melting the compound in Cremophor EL followed by dilution with distilled water. Samples were then analyzed b y a Reverse Phase HPLC method using a Waters Novapak C18, 3.9 x 150 mm colu mn. The mobile phase used was methanol : n-hexane (9 : 1) at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/ min. Response of the detector to the analyte was linear (r: 0.999) over the range of 2.5-100 mug ml(-1), with a limit of detection of 0.17 mu g ml(-1). Acetone used to solubilize CoQ(10) in the surfactant and Cremopho r EL did not interfere with sample analysis. This method provided a conveni ent and alternative approach to the existing methods that require organic s olvent extractions prior to analysis. Besides, this method enabled the sepa ration of major photolytic decomposition products of CoQ(10).