Carbohydrates Analysis: Optimisation of CZE in the analysis of carbohydrates

A new method for the capillary zone electrophoretic separation of neutral carbohydrates with direct UV detection based on the enolization and chelation reactions with phosphates and copper (II) respectively are demonstrated. Using two different electrolytes first consisting of sodium hydroxide and disodium hydrogenphosphate and second consisting of copper(II) sulphate and ammonia, UV absorption at 270 nm results from the enolization and chelation of phosphate and Cu (II) by the carbohydrates under strong alkaline conditions. Neutral monosaccharide and mixture of mono- and di-saccharides were simultaneously separated.Moreover appropriate methods were applied to detect polysaccharides, glucidex 12 and glucidex 17.