Analytical Chemistry reached its golden age in the twentieth century, marked by the rapid evolution of separation techniques and analytical strategies. Today, however, the focus has shifted. In a world shaped by geopolitical instability and urgent environmental concerns, the discipline is being called upon to address new challenges—among them, the sourcing and sustainability of raw materials used in routine analytical workflows. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), a cornerstone of modern analysis, still heavily relies on acetonitrile (ACN) as its main organic modifier—despite its toxicity, volatility, and environmental persistence. The search for safer, greener alternatives is not only necessary, but long overdue [1]. Among emerging candidates, 1,3-dimethoxy-2-propanol, also known as dimethylglycerol (DMG), presents a particularly promising profile. Bio-based solvent derived from the biodiesel production chain, DMG is non-persistent, and economically accessible and combines eco-compatibility, with a set of physicochemical characteristics that align closely with the demands of RPLC. What makes DMG especially compelling, however, is not just its sustainability, but its analytical performance. It is fully miscible with water, allowing for mobile phase gradients from 0% to 100% organic content, without the need for co-solvents. Its UV cut-off at 211 nm is remarkably low, offering high selectivity in peptide analysis. In terms of elution strength, DMG closely mimics Acetonitrile with small molecules, although it exhibits reduced elution capacity with larger analytes. This distinctive profile calls for deeper investigation. Chromatographic performance alone does not fully capture the potential of bio-based modifiers like DMG. Its high surface tension, low toxicity, and safe handling characteristics add further weight to its candidacy as a next-generation solvent for sustainable chromatography. The features of Dimethylglycerol represent an important starting point for its introduction as an organic modifier in reversed phase liquid chromatography, thanks to its eco-sustainability and chromatographic proprieties.
Simona Felletti, Matteo Spedicato, et al, Journal of Chromatography A, 2023 Volume 1712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464477.
Bozza D, De Luca C, J Chromatogr A., 2024 Jan 4; 1713:464530. 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464530.