Ion Chromatography (IC)

IC is an analytical technique that separates and quantifies ions in a sample with high precision and sensitivity, making it a valuable tool in the field of environmental and food analysis.

Ion chromatography (IC) is an analytical technique used for separating and identifying ionizable molecules based on their interaction with a charged stationary phase. The IC technique revolves around the basic principles of chromatography involving partitioning between stationary and mobile phases. The stationary phase interacts selectively with particle ions, leading to different migration times and formation of clusters of distinct ions. These clusters can then be identified and quantified by IC coupling with various detectors. IC has come a long way from being a mere replacement for tedious classical techniques to becoming a powerful analytical tool in many industries such as chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

What is IC Used For?

IC has unique ability to analyze a wide range of ions, particularly the quantitative analysis of ions. Details as below.

Some common cations that can be analyzed using IC include lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Similarly, IC also enables the analysis of common anions such as fluoride, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, bromide, and phosphate.
Apart from these common ions, a few other ion examples include secondary amines like diethylamine, chlorate, chlorite, sulfite, acetate, formate, iodide, citrate, bromate.
Moreover, IC is extensively used to analyze and measure amino acids, carbohydrates, contaminants, trace elements, and so forth.

By determine a wide variety of ions in diverse matrices, it become an ideal tool to inspect drinking water, wastewater, processed food, pharmaceuticals, fuel cells, personal care product, industrial and biological products and much more.

Application of IC in Deformulation

IC plays a pivotal role in the process of deformulation. Firstly, it identifies the ionic and polar components (such as anions, cations, amino acids, carbohydrates, contaminants, trace elements, and more.) present in the product. Secondly, it quantifies each of these components, providing an exact percentage of each element in the end product. Based on this, it can also help in identifying unknowns in the formulation. This makes it an effective tool in deformulation analysis of pharmaceuticals, food, personal care product and fine chemicals, for quality control, product development, troubleshooting and regulatory compliance.

How We Can Help You?

Alfa Chemistry has a team of seasoned chemists and analysts with expert utilization of IC in varied industries. Our team can assist in solving complex problems. Whether it's an analysis of ionic, components and contaminants in a product or reverse-engineering a pharmaceuticals, food, personal care product, fine chemicals, we have the skills and resources to deliver accurate, reliable results. With our team’s proficiency in IC, coupled with substantial experience in deformulation, we are poised to help you enhance product quality, optimize your products, or provide a deeper understanding of your samples.

Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.