REVERSED PHASE CHROMATOGRAPHIC PROCESS

An improved process for the reversed phase chromatographic decolorization, separation, and purification of water-soluble, nonionic contrast media compounds from solutions containing nonionic compound impurities involves the steps of (a) packing a chromatographic column with a chromatographic packing material; (b) passing through the column a solution containing a water-soluble, nonionic contrast media compound and nonionic compounds as impurities at a loading ratio between approximately 10 to 1 and 1.5 to 1 wt. packing material/total wt. nonionic compounds; and (c) eluting the column to produce an eluate containing substantially pure, water-soluble, nonionic contrast media compound or MRI agent. The process can be economically practiced on a factory scale and efficiently removes non-polar impurities difficult to remove by conventional methods.