Abstract
A method was developed for the chromatographic separation of hop constituents by stepwise elution. A column of QAE Sephadex A-25 acetate was used with different concentrations of acetic acid in 80% methanol:water (v/v). The separated constituents included the β-acids, α-acids, humulinic acids, iso-α-acids, and hulupones. Results obtained were comparable to those from gradient elution in accuracy and precision. Resolution was improved, particularly for the separation of β-acids from the less acidic unidentified substances. Stepwise elution eliminates the need for automated gradient elution equipment.