Determination of pKa values of some auxins in methanol-water mixtures by reversed phase liquid chromatography and potentiometric methods

Plant hormones are of vital importance for the normal functioning of plants. Auxins are a class of phytohormones involved in many aspects of plant growth. Indole-3-acetic acid, (IAA), indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) are auxins with biological functions stimulating growth processes such as cell elongation and division. In this study, the pKa values of IAA, IPA and ILA in 30%, 40% and 50% (v/v) methanol-water mixtures were determined using potentiometry, liquid chromatography (LC) and LC-DAD methodology. Also, the pKa values in water predicted by the SPARC on-line calculator have been investigated.