Why would one choose solid phase extraction (SPE) over liquid-liquid extraction (LLE)?

Some of the benefits of SPE that are not found in LLE include:

  1. No formation of emulsion- clean partitioning
  2. Better recoveries
  3. Analytes partition onto the sorbent in one step- no need to repeat the extraction several times to get better recoveries
  4. Cleaner extracts—SPE includes a selective washing step
  5. Selectivity of extraction can be manipulated by using different sorbent chemistries- matrix interferences can be removed while target analytes are retained selectively
  6. Less solvent required- only 8 bed volumes of bed mass is recommended
  7. Less waste produced
  8. Ease of solvent switch- able to use preferred solvent to elute target compounds.  LLE can only extract compounds into an immiscible solvent
  9. Wider range of solvent choices, LC/MS compatible solvents are used, i.e. MeOH
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