HPLC Separation of Methylphosphonic Acid and Related Products

Alkylphosphonic acids are degradation byproducts of chemical warfare agents, and their analysis in water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These compounds are highly polar and acidic in nature. A method for the retention and separation of methylphosphonic, ethylphosphonic, ethyl methylphosphonic, and isopropyl methylphosphonic acids was developed using a ZodiaA HST SB reversed-phase anion-exchange column. The method is fully compatible with LC/MS detection and is suitable for the quantification of phosphonic acids in water samples.