AbstractAnalysis of anions by HPLC has been optimized in the direction of reduced analysis times with standard reversed phase columns and UV detection. This was achieved by use of a new eluent containing 3‐nitrophthalic acid and small proportions of acetonitrile. Resin‐based and silica‐based anion exchangers of varying ion‐exchange capacities are prepared with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide by a rapid dynamic coating technique. Some new, strong eluents containing nitrophthalic acids are evaluated and compared with an eluent containing potassium hydrogen phthalate. Addition of acetonitrile was found to improve the retention behavior of mono‐ and divalent anions. An automatic system was developed for the analysis of chloride, nitrate, and sulfate in drinking water. It is shown that a water sample can be analyzed in less than two minutes on a column of 25