Determination of octanol-water partition coefficients using gradient liquid chromatography

The use of liquid chromatography to estimate octanol-water partition coefficients, log Kow, has been demonstrated. The capacity factor with a mobile phase of 100% water, kw, has been found to be a useful Chromatographic parameter. Values of Kw were derived from a computer software package (Hipac-G), designed for optimization and simulation of gradient LC systems. The chromatographic parameter, Kw, correlates well with both literature and isocratic LC-generated log Kow values. The gradient LC method could be extended to a wider range of test compounds.