# Revising Reverse-Phase Chromatographic Behavior for Efficient Differentiation of Both Positional and Geometrical Isomers of Dicaffeoylquinic Acids

Authors: Keabetswe Masike; Ian Dubery; Paul Steenkamp; Elize Smit; Edwin Madala
Journal: Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry
 (2018)

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## Abstract

Dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) are plant metabolites and undergotrans-cis-isomerization when exposed to UV irradiation. As such, diCQAs exist in both trans- and cis-configurations and amplify the already complex plant metabolome. However, analytical differentiation of these geometrical isomers using mass spectrometry (MS) approaches has proven to be extremely challenging. Exploring the chromatographic space to develop possible conditions that would aid in differentially separating and determining the elution order of these isomers is therefore imperative. In this study, simple chromatographic parameters, such as column chemistry (phenyl versus alkyl), mobile phase composition (methanol or acetonitrile), and column temperature, were investigated to aid in the separation of diCQA geometrical isomers. The high-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) chromatograms revealed four isomers post UV irradiation of diCQA authentic standards. The elution profile/order was seen to vary on different reverse-phase column chemistries (phenyl versus alkyl) using different mobile phase composition. Here, the elution profile/order on the phenyl-derived column matrices (with methanol as the mobile phase composition) was observed to be relatively reproducible as compared to the alkyl (C18) columns. Chromatographic resolution of diCQA geometrical isomers can be enhanced with an increase in column temperature. Lastly, the study highlights that chromatographic elution order/profile cannot be relied upon to fathom the complexity of isomeric plant metabolites.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) are plant secondary metabolites that are part of the family of bioactive metabolites called chlorogenic acids. Dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs) are formed from an esterification reaction between quinic acid and 2 units of the hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) derivative, caffeic acid [1, 2]. It is reported that HCA derivatives such as caffeic acid are initially synthesized in the trans-configuration through the phenylpropanoid pathway [3]. However, due to the 1,2-disubstituted alkenic molecular structure (carbon-carbon double bond), these molecules absorb light (UV light) at a specific wavelength and readily convert to the cis-geometry [3–7].Previously,cis-isomers of phenylpropanoid derivatives were understood to exist in minor quantities and, as such, were thought to be biologically insignificant [3]. However, due to environmental changes, these isomers may be prominent in plant organs (i.e., leaves and fruits) that are exposed to the sun’s UV rays [6] and, in some cases, exist in equal proportions to the trans-isomer. These new photochemically produced products (cis-isomers) amplify the already complex plant metabolome. Thus, studies devoted to exploring the biological significance of cis-isomers relative to their trans-counterparts have become necessary [8–13]. For instance, it has been shown that the phenylpropanoid pathway metabolite, trans-cinnamic acid, has less potent antituberculosis activity than its cis-counterpart, which is approximately 120-fold more than the trans-form [8]. In addition, in vacuo studies have demonstrated that HCA derivatives, such as dicaffeoyltartaric acid (chicoric acid) and diCQA, possess anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 DNA integrase activity, with the biological activity attributed to their cis-isomers [10–12]. However, currently, only a few in vitro and in vivo studies, that show the biological activities of cis-isomers of HCA derivatives, exist. This is possibly due to the lack of knowledge about the existence of cis-isomers of HCA derivatives or the lack of cis-form commercial standards [3].Authentic standards of most of the HCA derivatives (trans-isomers), such as diCQAs, are commercially available, and these standards can be used to produce their cis-counterparts through the process of photoisomerization [4, 6, 12, 14, 15]. Identification of these related geometrical compounds using analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has proven impossible as they produce similar/identical MS fragmentation patterns [4]. As such, these analytical challenges have driven efforts in exploring the chromatographic space to suggest possible conditions that would aid in differentially separating and identifying these isomers [4, 12]. In this endeavor, Clifford et al. UV irradiated five different authentic standards of diCQA positional isomers, namely, 1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA, and analyzed the samples on a phenyl-hexyl column using aqueous acetonitrile as part of the mobile phase composition [4]. From the study, Clifford et al. anticipated three possible cis-isomers for all five of the diCQA positional isomers. The number of cis-isomers can be attributed to the stereochemistry of the quinic acid unit (positions 1, 3, 4, and 5) to which the caffeic acid units are esterified [4, 14] (Scheme 1). As such, two asymmetrical mono-cis-isomers (resulting from cis-isomerization on the respective caffeoyl arms on the quinic acid unit) and one di-cis-isomer (resulting from the cis-geometry on both caffeoyl arms on the quinic acid unit) were anticipated for each diCQA positional isomer. However, in the study by Clifford et al., only two (instead of three) cis-isomers were observed for 1,3-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, and 3,5-diCQA positional isomers [4].Scheme 1
Chemical structures of thetrans-form positional isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs), namely, 1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA.Fundamentally, column chemistry [12, 16, 17], mobile phase composition [12, 16], and column temperature [18, 19] are the essential factors in defining chromatographic separation during LC analyses. For instance, under reverse-phase conditions, a phenyl-derived column matrix may produce a different elution profile (i.e., number of isomers separated) compared to an alkyl-derived column matrix, due to the interactions involved in the retention mechanism of the respective columns [12, 16].The aims of the current study were to reproduce and expand on the results observed by Clifford et al. [4]. In our study, the abovementioned positional isomers of diCQAs (1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA) were UV irradiated, and the resulting samples were analyzed on nine different column chemistries, five phenyl-derived columns and four alkyl (C18) columns. The effect of chromatographic parameters (column choice, mobile phase composition, and column temperature) on the chromatographic separation of the UV-generated diCQA geometrical isomers was evaluated. Insight on the chromatographic elution order of these metabolites (both trans- and cis-isomers) will contribute to ongoing efforts in designing analytical methods for differential identification of isomers contributing to plant sample dimensionality. Such chromatographic separation efforts will further allow collection (LC fractionation) of these peaks (metabolites) to study their respective bioactivity differences.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials

Authentic standards (with the purity of above 99.6%) oftrans-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA) were purchased from Phytolab (Vestenbergsgreuth, Germany). Mass spectrometry grade (99.9%) methanol and acetonitrile were obtained from Romil (Cambridge, UK). Mass spectrometry grade formic acid was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). A UV light box Model CM-10 was purchased from Spectroline (Westbury, NY, USA). Pinnacle, Raptor, Viva, and Ultra columns were purchased from Restek (Bellefonte, PA, USA) and Kinetex columns were purchased from Phenomenex (Torrance, CA, USA). Chromatographic separation was achieved using nine analytical columns: Pinnacle bi-phenyl and C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm), Raptor bi-phenyl and C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm), Viva bi-phenyl (2.1 × 100 mm, 5 µm), Viva C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm), Ultra C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm), and Kinetex bi-phenyl and phenyl-hexyl (4.6 × 100 mm, 5 µm).


### 2.2. Methods

#### 2.2.1. UV Irradiation

A 1 mg/mL solution of eachtrans-diCQA positional isomer was prepared with 100% methanol. Irradiation of samples was conducted following the procedure described elsewhere [15]. Briefly, the solution (for each positional isomer) was placed in a Spectroline UV lamp operating at 254 nm with an intensity of 390 μW/cm2. The lamp was not covered with any notch filter. Irradiation was conducted for four hours (4 h), and aliquots (100 µL) were taken at 0 h (before irradiation) and at 4 h post irradiation. The aliquots were diluted 10 × with 100% methanol. All the samples were placed in amber vials and subjected to HPLC-PDA analyses.


#### 2.2.2. HPLC-PDA Parameters

The HPLC system used was a Shimadzu SCL-10A VP (Kyoto, Japan), equipped with a PDA controlled by Shimadzu VP software v. 5.31. Column oven temperature was set at 30°C and 50°C. The injection volume was 3 µL. A binary solvent mixture was used, consisting of Milli-Q water (eluent A) containing 0.1% formic acid and methanol or acetonitrile (eluent B) containing 0.1% formic acid. The initial conditions were 10% B at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min and were maintained for 1 min, followed by an increase to 40% B at 15 min; the conditions were maintained for 2 min, followed by multiple gradients to 90% at 20 min; and the conditions were kept constant for 3 min and then changed to the initial conditions (10% B) after 5 min, followed by a 7-min isocratic wash at 10% B to re-equilibrate the column. The total chromatographic run time was 35 min. The PDA detector scanning range was set from 220 to 400 nm, and the chromatograms were processed at 325 nm. A column temperature study was conducted using a longer LC program (45 mins) to enhance the separation of diCQA geometrical isomers. The column oven temperature was set at 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60°C.


## 2.1. Materials

Authentic standards (with the purity of above 99.6%) oftrans-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA) were purchased from Phytolab (Vestenbergsgreuth, Germany). Mass spectrometry grade (99.9%) methanol and acetonitrile were obtained from Romil (Cambridge, UK). Mass spectrometry grade formic acid was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). A UV light box Model CM-10 was purchased from Spectroline (Westbury, NY, USA). Pinnacle, Raptor, Viva, and Ultra columns were purchased from Restek (Bellefonte, PA, USA) and Kinetex columns were purchased from Phenomenex (Torrance, CA, USA). Chromatographic separation was achieved using nine analytical columns: Pinnacle bi-phenyl and C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm), Raptor bi-phenyl and C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.7 µm), Viva bi-phenyl (2.1 × 100 mm, 5 µm), Viva C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm), Ultra C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 3 µm), and Kinetex bi-phenyl and phenyl-hexyl (4.6 × 100 mm, 5 µm).


## 2.2. Methods

### 2.2.1. UV Irradiation

A 1 mg/mL solution of eachtrans-diCQA positional isomer was prepared with 100% methanol. Irradiation of samples was conducted following the procedure described elsewhere [15]. Briefly, the solution (for each positional isomer) was placed in a Spectroline UV lamp operating at 254 nm with an intensity of 390 μW/cm2. The lamp was not covered with any notch filter. Irradiation was conducted for four hours (4 h), and aliquots (100 µL) were taken at 0 h (before irradiation) and at 4 h post irradiation. The aliquots were diluted 10 × with 100% methanol. All the samples were placed in amber vials and subjected to HPLC-PDA analyses.


### 2.2.2. HPLC-PDA Parameters

The HPLC system used was a Shimadzu SCL-10A VP (Kyoto, Japan), equipped with a PDA controlled by Shimadzu VP software v. 5.31. Column oven temperature was set at 30°C and 50°C. The injection volume was 3 µL. A binary solvent mixture was used, consisting of Milli-Q water (eluent A) containing 0.1% formic acid and methanol or acetonitrile (eluent B) containing 0.1% formic acid. The initial conditions were 10% B at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min and were maintained for 1 min, followed by an increase to 40% B at 15 min; the conditions were maintained for 2 min, followed by multiple gradients to 90% at 20 min; and the conditions were kept constant for 3 min and then changed to the initial conditions (10% B) after 5 min, followed by a 7-min isocratic wash at 10% B to re-equilibrate the column. The total chromatographic run time was 35 min. The PDA detector scanning range was set from 220 to 400 nm, and the chromatograms were processed at 325 nm. A column temperature study was conducted using a longer LC program (45 mins) to enhance the separation of diCQA geometrical isomers. The column oven temperature was set at 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60°C.


## 2.2.1. UV Irradiation

A 1 mg/mL solution of eachtrans-diCQA positional isomer was prepared with 100% methanol. Irradiation of samples was conducted following the procedure described elsewhere [15]. Briefly, the solution (for each positional isomer) was placed in a Spectroline UV lamp operating at 254 nm with an intensity of 390 μW/cm2. The lamp was not covered with any notch filter. Irradiation was conducted for four hours (4 h), and aliquots (100 µL) were taken at 0 h (before irradiation) and at 4 h post irradiation. The aliquots were diluted 10 × with 100% methanol. All the samples were placed in amber vials and subjected to HPLC-PDA analyses.


## 2.2.2. HPLC-PDA Parameters

The HPLC system used was a Shimadzu SCL-10A VP (Kyoto, Japan), equipped with a PDA controlled by Shimadzu VP software v. 5.31. Column oven temperature was set at 30°C and 50°C. The injection volume was 3 µL. A binary solvent mixture was used, consisting of Milli-Q water (eluent A) containing 0.1% formic acid and methanol or acetonitrile (eluent B) containing 0.1% formic acid. The initial conditions were 10% B at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min and were maintained for 1 min, followed by an increase to 40% B at 15 min; the conditions were maintained for 2 min, followed by multiple gradients to 90% at 20 min; and the conditions were kept constant for 3 min and then changed to the initial conditions (10% B) after 5 min, followed by a 7-min isocratic wash at 10% B to re-equilibrate the column. The total chromatographic run time was 35 min. The PDA detector scanning range was set from 220 to 400 nm, and the chromatograms were processed at 325 nm. A column temperature study was conducted using a longer LC program (45 mins) to enhance the separation of diCQA geometrical isomers. The column oven temperature was set at 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60°C.


## 3. Results and Discussion

In this study, positional isomers of diCQAs (Scheme1) were UV irradiated, and the resulting samples were analyzed under reverse-phase chromatographic conditions using nine different column chemistries. Here, for each column, either methanol (containing 0.1% formic acid) or acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid) was used as the mobile phase/eluent B, with the initial column oven temperature set at 30 and then 50°C. Following analyses of the results, the use of aqueous methanol as the mobile phase/eluent B showed enhanced separation and, as such, the results discussed herein will be those obtained with methanol as part of the mobile phase composition [12]. The enhanced chromatographic separation using methanol as part of the binary solvent mixture is due to the weak eluent nature of methanol, which enhances the chromatographic separation of aromatic compounds by promoting longer retention within the column [12, 20]. However, the results obtained with aqueous acetonitrile will also be referred to when necessary. In addition, unless stated otherwise, the results discussed herein are those obtained with the column oven temperature set at 30°C.The chromatograms of the nonirradiated (0 h) and irradiated (4 h) samples were compared and the retention times (tR) of the peak observed from the nonirradiated samples were used to identify the trans-isomers from each irradiated diCQA sample, for each column used to conduct the study (Figure 1). A summary of the chromatographic results is represented in Table 1, where the void volume/“dead time” was assessed for each column by the inspection of the chromatograms, and the resulting capacity factors (k) for the trans- and cis-isomers are shown.Figure 1
Comparisons of HPLC-PDA chromatogram profiles of nonirradiated (0 h) and UV irradiated (4 h) samples of (a) 3,5-diCQA analyzed on a Pinnacle C18 column and (b) 4,5-diCQA analyzed on a Viva C18 column, using aqueous methanol as the mobile phase composition.
(a)
(b)Table 1
Capacity factors (k) of trans- and cis-isomers of diCQAs on different phenyl-derived and C18 column matrices.
Identity
Capacity factors (k′) (min)
Pinnacle bi-phenyl
Raptor bi-phenyl
Viva bi-phenyl
Phenomenex bi-phenyl
Phenomenex phenyl-hexyl
Pinnacle C18
Raptor C18
Viva C18
Ultra C18
1,3-diCQA
Di-trans
13.324–1.442
14.805–1.436
12.207–1.559
22.629–0.559
22.206–1.078
13.764–1.480
12.420–1.235
11.380–1.487
16.936–1.295
Mono-cis
14.365–1.442
15.638–1.436
13.276–1.559
23.712–0.559
22.818–1.078
14.104–1.480
13.089–1.235
12.196–1.487
17.292–1.295
Mono-cis
14.565–1.442
15.901–1.436
13.472–1.559
23.848–0.559
23.029–1.078
14.277–1.480
13.257–1.235
12.535–1.487
—
Di-cis
19.168–1.442
20.217–1.436
18.112–1.559
25.560–0.559
26.050–1.078
17.523–1.480
17.546–1.235
17.231–1.487
20.918–1.295
1,5-diCQA
Di-trans
19.721–1.442
20.952–1.436
18.541–1.559
25.569–0.559
26.262–1.078
20.299–1.480
18.400–1.235
17.531–1.487
21.619–1.295
Mono-cis
20.111–1.442
21.052–1.436
—
25.723–0.559
—
18.498–1.480
17.814–1.235
17.154–1.487
21.351–1.295
Mono-cis
21.198–1.442
21.402–1.436
20.386–1.559
25.855–0.559
—
—
20.101–1.235
19.396–1.487
—
Di-cis
20.417–1.442
—
—
—
—
18.035–1.480
17.955–1.235
—
—
3,4-diCQA
Di-trans
18.711–1.442
20.178–1.436
17.679–1.559
25.408–0.559
26.697–1.078
18.580–1.480
17.471–1.235
16.994–1.487
21.156–1.295
Mono-cis
18.102–1.442
19.462–1.436
17.031–1.559
25.691–0.559
—
17.424–1.480
16.523–1.235
16.003–1.487
20.399–1.295
Mono-cis
20.401–1.442
21.065–1.436
18.987–1.559
—
—
18.901–1.480
18.038–1.235
17.533–1.487
—
Di-cis
20.984–1.442
21.248–1.436
19.753–1.559
—
—
—
18.706–1.235
18.370–1.487
—
3,5-diCQA
Di-trans
19.322–1.442
20.791–1.436
18.158–1.559
25.539–0.559
25.855–1.078
19.693–1.480
17.963–1.235
17.099–1.487
21.334–1.295
Mono-cis
19.784–1.442
20.919–1.436
18.471–1.559
25.641–0.559
—
18.089–1.480
17.773–1.235
—
20.846–1.295
Mono-cis
20.565–1.442
21.156–1.436
19.074–1.559
25.721–0.559
—
18.729–1.480
—
—
21.124–1.295
Di-cis
—
—
—
—
—
16.877–1.480
16.945–1.235
16.304–1.487
19.561–1.295
4,5-diCQA
Di-trans
21.209–1.442
21.463–1.436
20.379–1.559
25.877–0.559
26.209–1.078
21.341–1.480
20.213–1.235
19.309–1.487
21.766–1.295
Mono-cis
20.952–1.442
21.338–1.436
19.586–1.559
—
—
20.385–1.480
18.808–1.235
18.025–1.487
21.520–1.295
Mono-cis
21.906–1.442
21.935–1.436
21.759–1.559
26.330–0.559
26.491–1.078
21.704–1.480
21.369–1.235
21.487–1.487
22.025–1.295
Di-cis
21.654–1.442
21.702–1.436
21.399–1.559
26.163–0.559
—
20.947–1.480
20.638–1.235
20.200–1.487
—


### 3.1. The Effect of Column Chemistry on the Separation of diCQA Geometrical Isomers

The results show that the chromatographic profile for the UV-irradiated sample of 1,3-diCQA is consistent on both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices (Figure 2(a)) and consistent with the results achieved by Clifford et al. [4]. On both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices (Figure 2(a)), two mono-cis-isomers (M∗ and M#) were observed to elute after their respective trans-counterpart (T). According to Clifford et al., a peak of minor intensity is considered the di-cis-isomer [4]; thus, from Figure 2(a), C was annotated as the di-cis-isomer. In a study by Zheng et al., where the 3,5-diCQA geometrical isomers were separated by ion mobility, the photoisomerization study revealed that the di-cis-isomer forms directly from both the mono-cis-isomers [15]. In this study, the di-cis-isomer was retained longer on both column matrices (bi-phenyl and C18), suggesting the resolution of the di-cis-isomer from the other isomers (Figure 2(a)). Thus, for simplicity, the elution order of the various isomers for 1,3-diCQA is referred to as TM∗M#C, where for all diCQAs, T represents the di-trans, M∗ represents the first eluting mono-cis-isomer, M# represents the second eluting mono-cis-isomer, and C represents the di-cis-isomer. Furthermore, the elution profile/order for all diCQAs is summarized in Table 2.Figure 2
Overlaid HPLC-PDA chromatograms demonstrating the chromatographic separation of UV-irradiated samples of (a) 1,3-diCQA, (b) 1,5-diCQA, (c) 3,4-diCQA, (d) 3,5-diCQA, and (e) 4,5-diCQA analyzed on either a bi-phenyl or C18 column matrix. The figure shows differences and similarities in the elution profiles, dependent on either the bi-phenyl or C18 column matrix. T represents the di-trans-isomer, M∗ represents the first eluting mono-cis-isomer, M# represents the second eluting mono-cis-isomer, and C represents the di-cis-isomer.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)Table 2
Elution order of thetrans- and cis-isomers of diCQAs on different column matrices (phenyl versus alkyl) using aqueous methanol as the eluent post optimization.
Column chemistry
Pinnacle bi-phenyl
Raptor bi-phenyl
Viva bi-phenyl
Phenomenex bi-phenyl
Phenomenex phenyl-hexyl
Pinnacle C18
Raptor C18
Viva C18
Ultra C18
Elution order of isomers
1,3-diCQA
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
1,5-diCQA
TM
∗
CM
#
TM
∗
CM
#
TM
∗
CM
#
TM
∗
M
#
TM
∗
CM
∗
T
M
∗
CTM
#
M
∗
TM
#
CM
∗
TM
#
3,4-diCQA
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
C
TM
∗
C
M
∗
TM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
3,5-diCQA
TCM
∗
M
#
TCM
∗
M
#
TCM
∗
M
#
TM
∗
M
#
T
CM
∗
M
#
T
CM
∗
T
CTM
#
CM
∗
M
#
T
4,5-diCQA
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
TM
∗
CM
#
M
∗
TM
#
M
∗
CTM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
CTM
#
T represents the di-trans-isomer; M∗ represents the first eluting mono-cis-isomer; M# represents the second eluting mono-cis-isomer; C represents the di-cis-isomer.For the UV-irradiated sample of 1,5-diCQA, four peaks (corresponding to the four isomers) were observed when using the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices, and it is apparent that the elution profile/order differs between the two column matrices (Figure 2(b)). On the C18 column matrix, two peaks, the first mono-cis-isomer (M∗) and the di-cis-isomer (C), elute before the trans-isomer (T) and the fourth peak, the second mono-cis-isomer (M#), elutes after the di-trans-isomer, resulting in the elution order M∗CTM# (Table 2). However, on the bi-phenyl column, the cis-isomers are seen to elute after the trans-isomer, resulting with the elution order TM∗CM# (Figure 2(b)) (Table 2). The elution order, TM∗CM#, observed on the bi-phenyl columns was similar to the elution order observed by Clifford et al., using a phenyl-hexyl column matrix [4]. The consistency observed on the phenyl-containing column matrices (bi-phenyl versus phenyl-hexyl) suggests the possible role of π-π interactions in the separation of these aromatic isomers [12, 16, 17, 21]. In contrast, differences in the elution order amongst the C18 columns were observed (Figure 3). Instead of the elution order M∗CTM# seen in Figure 2(b) using a Raptor C18, the Ultra C18 column produced the elution order CM∗TM# (Figure 3).Figure 3
HPLC-PDA chromatograms of the UV-irradiated sample of 1,5-diCQA, showing different elution profiles on C18 column matrices. The Raptor C18 shows the elution profile M∗CTM#, and the Ultra C18 shows the elution profile CM∗TM#.The elution order observed for the UV-irradiated standard of 3,4-diCQA demonstrated a relatively identical elution profile, on columns showing enhanced separation of the four isomers. Where the first mono-cis-isomer (M∗) elutes before the trans-isomer (T), the trans-isomer is followed by the second mono-cis-isomer (M#) and lastly followed by the di-cis-isomer (C), resulting in the elution order M∗TM#C (Figure 2(c)) (Table 2). The similar elution order observed on both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices can be attributed to the stereochemistry at positions 3 and 4 on the quinic acid unit (Scheme 1, Figure 2(c)). The similarities in the spatial arrangement of the caffeic acid units at these positions on the quinic acid unit could possibly result in comparable interactions with their surrounding environments (i.e., mobile and stationary phase). In addition, the similar elution profile seen on both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices for the UV-irradiated sample of 1,3-diCQA (TM∗M#C) (Figure 2(a), Table 2) can also be attributed to the identical spatial arrangement at positions 1 and 3 on the quinic acid unit to which the caffeic acid units are esterified. Furthermore, in their study, Clifford et al. only observed three geometrical isomers (instead of four) for the UV-irradiated sample of 3,4-diCQA using a phenyl-hexyl column [4]. Here, the elution order observed was M∗TM# instead of the elution order M∗TM#C observed in our study and discussed above. Results observed by Clifford et al. were also observed in our study when the phenyl-hexyl column was used with aqueous acetonitrile as the eluent (see Supplementary Figure S1), thus suggesting the possible coelution of the di-cis-isomer under these conditions.When the UV-generated geometrical isomers of 3,5-diCQA were analyzed on the phenyl-containing column matrices (at a column temperature of 30°C), only three peaks (instead of four peaks) were observed and resulted with the elution orderTM∗M# (Figure 2(d), Table 2), as observed by Clifford et al. [4]. On the C18 column matrices, the elution order CM∗M#T was observed (Figure 2(d), Table 2).Although not commonly considered a key parameter in reverse-phase chromatography, high column temperatures have been shown to enhance the separation due to a decrease in the viscosity of the mobile phase. In addition, retention factors are dependent on the distribution coefficients (kd) of the analytes, which are temperature dependent. An increase in temperature enhances the separation [19, 22, 23]. Thus, to achieve the separation of 3,5-diCQA geometrical isomers on the phenyl-containing column matrices, a column temperature of 50°C was introduced and resulted in the elution order TCM∗M# (Figure 4) instead of the elution order TM∗M# seen in Figure 2(d). The consistency in the elution profile observed on the phenyl column matrices (TM∗M#) can be attributed to π-π interactions which enhance separation in phenyl-containing columns [12, 16, 17, 20, 21], and the elution profile differences observed between column matrices (phenyl versus alkyl matrices) can be attributed to the differences in spatial arrangements of the caffeoyl units at positions 3 and 5 on the quinic acid unit. For instance, the different spatial arrangements at these positions affect when cis-isomers elute on a phenyl column matrix (elutes after the trans-isomer; TCM∗M#) versus an alkyl column (elutes before the trans-isomer; CM∗M#T).Figure 4
Comparison of HPLC-PDA chromatograms of UV-irradiated sample of 3,5-diCQA achieved with bi-phenyl columns, showing the enhanced separation of isomers due to an increase in column temperature.Finally, the elution order for the geometrical isomers of 4,5-diCQA was seen to beM∗TCM#, only on three bi-phenyl columns and two C18 columns as summarized in Table 2 and demonstrated in Figure 2(e). Interestingly, the other two C18 columns showed a different elution order (Figure 5); thus, instead of M∗TCM# (Figure 5(a)), M∗CTM# was observed (Figure 5(b)). Furthermore, for this sample, Clifford et al. observed the elution order TM∗CM# when using a phenyl-hexyl column [4]. In our study, these results were also observed using a Phenomenex bi-phenyl column with acetonitrile as part of the mobile phase composition (Supplementary data, Figure S2). Thus, care must be taken when analyzing geometrical isomers of 4,5-diCQA on different column matrices.Figure 5
HPLC-PDA chromatograms of UV-irradiated sample of 4,5-diCQA showing different elution profiles, (a)M∗TCM# and (b) M∗CTM#, on four C18 column matrices.
(a)
(b)Despite the inconsistent chromatographic elution profiles observed for the UV-irradiated sample of 4,5-diCQA, what seems to be consistent is the later elution of the second eluting mono-cis-isomer (M#) (Figure 5). This is also evident in samples of 1,5-diCQA (Figure 2(b)) and 3,5-diCQA (Figure 2(d), Figure 4), especially when analyzed on phenyl-containing column matrices. This mono-cis-isomer could possibly be a cis-isomer at position 5 on the quinic acid unit. According to Clifford et al., a cis-geometry at position 5 on the quinic acid for mono-acyl chlorogenic acids results in intramolecular hydrogen bonding at two positions; (1) the caffeoyl carbonyl (C=O) group and the 4-OH group on the quinic acid unit and (2) the caffeoyl 3′-OH group and the carbonyl group at position 1 on the quinic acid unit [4], thus rendering the molecules less hydrophilic due to unavailable hydroxyl groups and the compact nature of the molecule. In this study, it is uncertain to what extent the above applies to the diCQAs (Supplementary data, Figure S3).


### 3.2. The Effect of Column Temperature on the Separation of diCQA Geometrical Isomers

From the above results, it is apparent that determining the elution order of diCQA geometrical isomers on different reverse-phase column matrices shows inconsistencies (Table2). Within the C18 column matrices, different chromatographic elution profiles were observed, and the Ultra C18 column showed the worst performance when analysis was conducted with the column temperature set at 30°C. As such, column temperature was varied (30–60°C) to enhance the separation of the diCQA geometrical isomers on the Ultra C18 column (Figure 6). From Figure 6, an increase in column temperature showed a positive effect on the resolution of the geometrical isomers of 1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA. An increase in temperature resulted in the earlier elution of analytes and resolution of the UV-irradiated diCQA geometrical isomers (Figure 6). Similar results were observed by Nguyen et al., whereby a pharmaceutical cocktail was chromatographically separated at temperatures 30°C and 90°C, and the temperature at 90°C enhanced the separation and decreased the analysis time [19]. Furthermore, in our study the UV-irradiated sample of 3,4-diCQA showed the separation and resolution of only three isomers, suggesting coelution of the di-cis-isomer. For this sample (UV-irradiated sample of 3,4-diCQA), the elution order (M∗TM#) was also observed using the phenyl-hexyl column coupled with aqueous acetonitrile as part of the mobile phase (Supplementary data, Figure S1). The results obtained in this temperature study suggest that some column matrices are incapable of separating/distinguishing all the available isomers in the sample even post optimization of the chromatographic parameters.Figure 6
Graphical representation of the influence of temperature in enhancing the resolution of diCQA geometrical isomers as indicated. The figure shows that an increase in column temperature enhances the separation of diCQA geometrical isomers.


## 3.1. The Effect of Column Chemistry on the Separation of diCQA Geometrical Isomers

The results show that the chromatographic profile for the UV-irradiated sample of 1,3-diCQA is consistent on both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices (Figure 2(a)) and consistent with the results achieved by Clifford et al. [4]. On both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices (Figure 2(a)), two mono-cis-isomers (M∗ and M#) were observed to elute after their respective trans-counterpart (T). According to Clifford et al., a peak of minor intensity is considered the di-cis-isomer [4]; thus, from Figure 2(a), C was annotated as the di-cis-isomer. In a study by Zheng et al., where the 3,5-diCQA geometrical isomers were separated by ion mobility, the photoisomerization study revealed that the di-cis-isomer forms directly from both the mono-cis-isomers [15]. In this study, the di-cis-isomer was retained longer on both column matrices (bi-phenyl and C18), suggesting the resolution of the di-cis-isomer from the other isomers (Figure 2(a)). Thus, for simplicity, the elution order of the various isomers for 1,3-diCQA is referred to as TM∗M#C, where for all diCQAs, T represents the di-trans, M∗ represents the first eluting mono-cis-isomer, M# represents the second eluting mono-cis-isomer, and C represents the di-cis-isomer. Furthermore, the elution profile/order for all diCQAs is summarized in Table 2.Figure 2
Overlaid HPLC-PDA chromatograms demonstrating the chromatographic separation of UV-irradiated samples of (a) 1,3-diCQA, (b) 1,5-diCQA, (c) 3,4-diCQA, (d) 3,5-diCQA, and (e) 4,5-diCQA analyzed on either a bi-phenyl or C18 column matrix. The figure shows differences and similarities in the elution profiles, dependent on either the bi-phenyl or C18 column matrix. T represents the di-trans-isomer, M∗ represents the first eluting mono-cis-isomer, M# represents the second eluting mono-cis-isomer, and C represents the di-cis-isomer.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)Table 2
Elution order of thetrans- and cis-isomers of diCQAs on different column matrices (phenyl versus alkyl) using aqueous methanol as the eluent post optimization.
Column chemistry
Pinnacle bi-phenyl
Raptor bi-phenyl
Viva bi-phenyl
Phenomenex bi-phenyl
Phenomenex phenyl-hexyl
Pinnacle C18
Raptor C18
Viva C18
Ultra C18
Elution order of isomers
1,3-diCQA
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
TM
∗
M
#
C
1,5-diCQA
TM
∗
CM
#
TM
∗
CM
#
TM
∗
CM
#
TM
∗
M
#
TM
∗
CM
∗
T
M
∗
CTM
#
M
∗
TM
#
CM
∗
TM
#
3,4-diCQA
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
C
TM
∗
C
M
∗
TM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
C
M
∗
TM
#
3,5-diCQA
TCM
∗
M
#
TCM
∗
M
#
TCM
∗
M
#
TM
∗
M
#
T
CM
∗
M
#
T
CM
∗
T
CTM
#
CM
∗
M
#
T
4,5-diCQA
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
TM
∗
CM
#
M
∗
TM
#
M
∗
CTM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
TCM
#
M
∗
CTM
#
T represents the di-trans-isomer; M∗ represents the first eluting mono-cis-isomer; M# represents the second eluting mono-cis-isomer; C represents the di-cis-isomer.For the UV-irradiated sample of 1,5-diCQA, four peaks (corresponding to the four isomers) were observed when using the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices, and it is apparent that the elution profile/order differs between the two column matrices (Figure 2(b)). On the C18 column matrix, two peaks, the first mono-cis-isomer (M∗) and the di-cis-isomer (C), elute before the trans-isomer (T) and the fourth peak, the second mono-cis-isomer (M#), elutes after the di-trans-isomer, resulting in the elution order M∗CTM# (Table 2). However, on the bi-phenyl column, the cis-isomers are seen to elute after the trans-isomer, resulting with the elution order TM∗CM# (Figure 2(b)) (Table 2). The elution order, TM∗CM#, observed on the bi-phenyl columns was similar to the elution order observed by Clifford et al., using a phenyl-hexyl column matrix [4]. The consistency observed on the phenyl-containing column matrices (bi-phenyl versus phenyl-hexyl) suggests the possible role of π-π interactions in the separation of these aromatic isomers [12, 16, 17, 21]. In contrast, differences in the elution order amongst the C18 columns were observed (Figure 3). Instead of the elution order M∗CTM# seen in Figure 2(b) using a Raptor C18, the Ultra C18 column produced the elution order CM∗TM# (Figure 3).Figure 3
HPLC-PDA chromatograms of the UV-irradiated sample of 1,5-diCQA, showing different elution profiles on C18 column matrices. The Raptor C18 shows the elution profile M∗CTM#, and the Ultra C18 shows the elution profile CM∗TM#.The elution order observed for the UV-irradiated standard of 3,4-diCQA demonstrated a relatively identical elution profile, on columns showing enhanced separation of the four isomers. Where the first mono-cis-isomer (M∗) elutes before the trans-isomer (T), the trans-isomer is followed by the second mono-cis-isomer (M#) and lastly followed by the di-cis-isomer (C), resulting in the elution order M∗TM#C (Figure 2(c)) (Table 2). The similar elution order observed on both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices can be attributed to the stereochemistry at positions 3 and 4 on the quinic acid unit (Scheme 1, Figure 2(c)). The similarities in the spatial arrangement of the caffeic acid units at these positions on the quinic acid unit could possibly result in comparable interactions with their surrounding environments (i.e., mobile and stationary phase). In addition, the similar elution profile seen on both the bi-phenyl and C18 column matrices for the UV-irradiated sample of 1,3-diCQA (TM∗M#C) (Figure 2(a), Table 2) can also be attributed to the identical spatial arrangement at positions 1 and 3 on the quinic acid unit to which the caffeic acid units are esterified. Furthermore, in their study, Clifford et al. only observed three geometrical isomers (instead of four) for the UV-irradiated sample of 3,4-diCQA using a phenyl-hexyl column [4]. Here, the elution order observed was M∗TM# instead of the elution order M∗TM#C observed in our study and discussed above. Results observed by Clifford et al. were also observed in our study when the phenyl-hexyl column was used with aqueous acetonitrile as the eluent (see Supplementary Figure S1), thus suggesting the possible coelution of the di-cis-isomer under these conditions.When the UV-generated geometrical isomers of 3,5-diCQA were analyzed on the phenyl-containing column matrices (at a column temperature of 30°C), only three peaks (instead of four peaks) were observed and resulted with the elution orderTM∗M# (Figure 2(d), Table 2), as observed by Clifford et al. [4]. On the C18 column matrices, the elution order CM∗M#T was observed (Figure 2(d), Table 2).Although not commonly considered a key parameter in reverse-phase chromatography, high column temperatures have been shown to enhance the separation due to a decrease in the viscosity of the mobile phase. In addition, retention factors are dependent on the distribution coefficients (kd) of the analytes, which are temperature dependent. An increase in temperature enhances the separation [19, 22, 23]. Thus, to achieve the separation of 3,5-diCQA geometrical isomers on the phenyl-containing column matrices, a column temperature of 50°C was introduced and resulted in the elution order TCM∗M# (Figure 4) instead of the elution order TM∗M# seen in Figure 2(d). The consistency in the elution profile observed on the phenyl column matrices (TM∗M#) can be attributed to π-π interactions which enhance separation in phenyl-containing columns [12, 16, 17, 20, 21], and the elution profile differences observed between column matrices (phenyl versus alkyl matrices) can be attributed to the differences in spatial arrangements of the caffeoyl units at positions 3 and 5 on the quinic acid unit. For instance, the different spatial arrangements at these positions affect when cis-isomers elute on a phenyl column matrix (elutes after the trans-isomer; TCM∗M#) versus an alkyl column (elutes before the trans-isomer; CM∗M#T).Figure 4
Comparison of HPLC-PDA chromatograms of UV-irradiated sample of 3,5-diCQA achieved with bi-phenyl columns, showing the enhanced separation of isomers due to an increase in column temperature.Finally, the elution order for the geometrical isomers of 4,5-diCQA was seen to beM∗TCM#, only on three bi-phenyl columns and two C18 columns as summarized in Table 2 and demonstrated in Figure 2(e). Interestingly, the other two C18 columns showed a different elution order (Figure 5); thus, instead of M∗TCM# (Figure 5(a)), M∗CTM# was observed (Figure 5(b)). Furthermore, for this sample, Clifford et al. observed the elution order TM∗CM# when using a phenyl-hexyl column [4]. In our study, these results were also observed using a Phenomenex bi-phenyl column with acetonitrile as part of the mobile phase composition (Supplementary data, Figure S2). Thus, care must be taken when analyzing geometrical isomers of 4,5-diCQA on different column matrices.Figure 5
HPLC-PDA chromatograms of UV-irradiated sample of 4,5-diCQA showing different elution profiles, (a)M∗TCM# and (b) M∗CTM#, on four C18 column matrices.
(a)
(b)Despite the inconsistent chromatographic elution profiles observed for the UV-irradiated sample of 4,5-diCQA, what seems to be consistent is the later elution of the second eluting mono-cis-isomer (M#) (Figure 5). This is also evident in samples of 1,5-diCQA (Figure 2(b)) and 3,5-diCQA (Figure 2(d), Figure 4), especially when analyzed on phenyl-containing column matrices. This mono-cis-isomer could possibly be a cis-isomer at position 5 on the quinic acid unit. According to Clifford et al., a cis-geometry at position 5 on the quinic acid for mono-acyl chlorogenic acids results in intramolecular hydrogen bonding at two positions; (1) the caffeoyl carbonyl (C=O) group and the 4-OH group on the quinic acid unit and (2) the caffeoyl 3′-OH group and the carbonyl group at position 1 on the quinic acid unit [4], thus rendering the molecules less hydrophilic due to unavailable hydroxyl groups and the compact nature of the molecule. In this study, it is uncertain to what extent the above applies to the diCQAs (Supplementary data, Figure S3).


## 3.2. The Effect of Column Temperature on the Separation of diCQA Geometrical Isomers

From the above results, it is apparent that determining the elution order of diCQA geometrical isomers on different reverse-phase column matrices shows inconsistencies (Table2). Within the C18 column matrices, different chromatographic elution profiles were observed, and the Ultra C18 column showed the worst performance when analysis was conducted with the column temperature set at 30°C. As such, column temperature was varied (30–60°C) to enhance the separation of the diCQA geometrical isomers on the Ultra C18 column (Figure 6). From Figure 6, an increase in column temperature showed a positive effect on the resolution of the geometrical isomers of 1,3-diCQA, 1,5-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA. An increase in temperature resulted in the earlier elution of analytes and resolution of the UV-irradiated diCQA geometrical isomers (Figure 6). Similar results were observed by Nguyen et al., whereby a pharmaceutical cocktail was chromatographically separated at temperatures 30°C and 90°C, and the temperature at 90°C enhanced the separation and decreased the analysis time [19]. Furthermore, in our study the UV-irradiated sample of 3,4-diCQA showed the separation and resolution of only three isomers, suggesting coelution of the di-cis-isomer. For this sample (UV-irradiated sample of 3,4-diCQA), the elution order (M∗TM#) was also observed using the phenyl-hexyl column coupled with aqueous acetonitrile as part of the mobile phase (Supplementary data, Figure S1). The results obtained in this temperature study suggest that some column matrices are incapable of separating/distinguishing all the available isomers in the sample even post optimization of the chromatographic parameters.Figure 6
Graphical representation of the influence of temperature in enhancing the resolution of diCQA geometrical isomers as indicated. The figure shows that an increase in column temperature enhances the separation of diCQA geometrical isomers.


## 4. Conclusion

This study demonstrates that positional isomers of diCQA samples produce threecis-isomers post UV irradiation, and separation of these isomers is dependent on optimization of primary chromatographic parameters. As such, column chemistry, mobile phase composition, and column temperature influence the chromatographic elution profile of the structurally related compounds, thus hindering identification. From the above results, it is apparent that determining the elution profile/order of diCQA geometrical isomers on different reverse-phase column matrices (phenyl versus alkyl) shows inconsistencies. However, a relatively consistent elution order was observed using the phenyl-containing column matrices, suggesting the important role of π-π interactions in the separation of the respective diCQA geometrical isomers. The results show different elution profiles between C18 column matrices from different column suppliers, suggesting that column manufacturing is not standardized.The study also shows that column temperature can be used to enhance the separation of the isomers. Furthermore, the number of observed isomers depends on the capability of the column to distinguish the isomers. For instance, using the Ultra C18 column, the separation of the 3,4-diCQA geometrical isomers was enhanced by the introduction of column temperature; however, the di-cis-isomer was not observed on the chromatogram, suggesting coelution of the di-cis-isomer. Lastly, the study highlights that chromatographic elution order/profile cannot be relied upon to fathom the complexity of isomeric plant metabolites and that more advanced analytical methods need to be developed to achieve this goal. Advancement in analytical approaches can include hyphenation of high-temperature liquid chromatography (HTLC) to metal binding-based MS differentiation [14] or hyphenation of HTLC to ion mobility MS [15].



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*Source: 8694579-2018-01-11.xml*