In the present paper we report, for the first time, the successful on-line coupling of
microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) with mass spectrometric (MS)
detection using an atmospheric pressure photoionization interface. Microemulsions (MEs)
including mostly volatile ingredients and classical MEs based on nonvolatile buffer
components and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant were compared with respect to
their compatibility with MS detection. The investigations performed revealed that MEs with …

Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) is a special mode of capillary
electrophoresis employing a microemulsion as carrier electrolyte. Analytes may partition
between the aqueous phase of the microemulsion and its oil droplets which act as a
pseudostationary phase. The technique is well suited for the separation of neutral species,
in which case charged oil droplets (obtained by addition of an anionic or cationic surfactant)
are present. A single set of separation parameters may be sufficient for separation of a wide …