Prediction of HPLC retention times in gradient elution from isocratic data application to a set of non-homologous compounds and different stationary phases

A chromatographic model able to predict, from experimental isocratic data, retention times of solutes under gradient conditions has been proposed previously. The prediction was shown to be totally independent of the chemical properties of both solutes and eluents. In order to further check the general validity of the theory, the model has now been applied to a nonhomologous set of compounds, namely a range of substituted quinolines (methyl-, hydroxy- and amino-) and several different stationary phases. Results show a dependence on the stationary phase and, to a lesser extent, on the chemical structure of the solutes. The possible sources of errors are discussed. The generality of the method holds, within acceptable limits, if predictions concern the same type of stationary phase.