Alternative chromatographic method for the assay test of terbutaline and salbutamol using ionic liquid assisted aqueous mobile phase

Abstract

Separation of basic compounds using reverse phase chromatography on a silica-based stationary phase represents a major challenge, because of the interaction between the cationic sites of the basic compounds with the anionic silanols of the stationary phase. This study presents a simple, reliable, and organic solvent - free liquid chromatographic method for the determination of terbutaline and salbutamol, in which a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) is used as mobile phase additive. We investigated various mobile phase parameters affecting the retention of the two compounds, such as types and concentration of RTILs and, pH of the mobile phase were investigated. The developed method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines and successfully applied effectively to determine salbutamol sulfate in pharmaceutical preparations.