Separation of porphyrin isomers by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A reversed-phase gradient elution system is described for the simultaneous separation of the type I and type III isomers of 8-, 7-, 6-, 5- and 4-carboxylated porphyrins and isocoproporphyrins. The method, adaptable for isocratic and stepwise separation of individual groups of isomers, is also suitable for preparative isolation of pure porphyrins. The analyses of porphyrin isomers in the urine and faeces of porphyric patients are examples of applications.