Response surface methodology to optimize gradient ion chromatographic separation of inorganic anions and organic acids in tobacco leaves

The separation optimization of nine organic and inorganic anions in tobacco leaves using gradient ion chromatography by response surface methodology was investigated. In order to achieve this goal the usefulness of the chromatographic response function (CRF) for the evaluation of the two different chromatographic performance goals (resolution and analysis time) was tested. The experiments were performed according to a Box-Behnken design response surface experimental design.