The partition behavior of complexes of glycosaminoglycans and quaternary ammonium salts

Complexes of purified glycosaminoglycans and hexadecylpyridinium chloride are shown to be capable of partition between aqueous and butanol phases. The partition coefficient of these complexes is dependent upon the concentration of the supporting electrolyte as well as the concentration of the quaternary ammonium salt. A sharp transition, during which the complex changes from complete solubility in the butanol phase to complete solubility in the aqueous phase, occurs over a very narrow range of salt concentrations. The various glycosaminoglycans show differences sufficient to permit fractionation at least into nonsulfated, monosulfate, and polysulfated classes by simple partition.