SPECTATOR ION INDIRECT PHOTOMETRIC DETECTION OF ALIPHATIC ANIONIC SURFACTANTS SEPARATED BY REVERSED-PHASE HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

A simple technique is described for the detection of linear alkyl sulfate surfactants after separation by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. It makes use of nonretained inorganic absorber ions and an ultraviolet detector. The optimum conditions for isocratic and gradient elution are discussed and typical examples are given. The theoretical efficiency of the method is estimated. The technique is found to give linear responses for samples containing up to 100 mu g of surfactant and has detection limits of 3-5 mu g depending on sample type.