Methods for the column chromatographic analysis of neutral monosaccharides are based on three principles of separation: adsorption, partition between a water and organic phase, and ion-exchange. The chromatographic separations utilizing carbon columns and other adsorbents have been reviewed by Binkley (1). Partition column chromatography on a cellulose support has been reported by Hough, Jones, and Wadman (2), and a method utilizing starch columns has been described by Garde11 (3). Samuelson (4-7) has reported several partition chromatographic methods employing ion-exchange resins.
Most methods for ion-exchange chromatography of the neutral monosaccharides are based on the fact that certain polyhydroxy compounds react with the borate ion to give anionic complexes (8). Khym and Zill (9,10) were the first to develop an ion-exchange column chromatographic method for the separation of the neutral monosaccharides. Nakamura and Mori (11) have reported the ion-exchange chromatographic separation of sugars in 50% ethanol. Hall&n (12) has further developed this principle of separation.
Attempts to improve the system of Hall& ( 12) have resulted in the development of a column chromatographic system which allows the separation of the borate complexes of neutral sugars to be performed at neutral pH and elevated temperature.