Separation of cresols using coelectroosmotic capillary electrophoresis

A new method of capillary electrophoresis was established to separate the three cresol isomers. Cresols are of importance due to their use as insecticides, precursors of various dye intermediates, resins, fire‐resistant fluids and other purposes. Reversion of the electroosmotic flow was carried out by a polycationic ammonium compound. The separations were carried out at high pH values (pH 12) to obtain complete dissociation of the cresols and short times of analysis (less than 5 min) through fast migration of the cresol towards the anode. Various aliphatic alcohols were added to improve peak shape and resolution.