Comparison of Adsorption Isotherms of Methylxanthines on C18 Column

A comparison of the adsorption isotherms of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine and the competitive adsorption of the three compounds on a C18 column were investigated. The experimental parameters of the equilibrium isotherms were estimated by linear and nonlinear regression analyses. The linear equation as a function of the adsorption concentration of the single compound in its solution and the competitive adsorption of a single compound in a mixed solution were then determined. The adsorption equilibrium data were then correlated to the linear, Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich and stoichiometric displacement theory for adsorption（SDT-A） isotherm models. The mixed compounds of the three compounds were competitively adsorbed on the C18 particles. The expression of stoichiometric displacement theory for adsorption was found to be more suitable for adsorption of methylxanthines on a C18 column.