A survey of polar stationary phases for hydrophilic interaction chromatography and recent progress in understanding retention and selectivity

Various polar stationary phases are available for hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and help drive continuous applications in biomedical, environmental, and pharmaceutical areas in the past decade. Although the stationary phases for HILIC have been reviewed previously, it is an appropriate time to take another look at the progresses made during the past 5 years. The current review provides an overview of the polar stationary phases commercially available for HILIC applications in an effort to assist scientists in selecting suitable columns. New types of stationary phases that were published in literature in the past 5 years are summarized and discussed. The trend in stationary phase research and development is also highlighted. Of particular interest is the experimental evidence for direct interactions of polar analytes with the ligands of the stationary phases under HILIC conditions. In addition, two different approaches have been developed to delineate the relative significance of the partitioning and adsorption mechanisms in HILIC, representing an important advancement in our understanding of the retention mechanisms in HILIC.     

A diffraction and spectroscopic study of the solid states of EBBA

The solid states and phase transitions were studied in the nematogen EBBA. Differential scanning calorimetry, neutron diffraction and Raman scattering provided well-correlated results on the structure and dynamics of the solid phases. It was concluded that (a) EBBA has four different solid phases, (b) there is a difference between the dynamics, viz. the coherence length of phonons in the rapidly-cooled phases of MBBA and EBBA, (c) the molecular shape in the nematic phase can be determined by using the solid state structures.     

The case of missing incommensurate smectic A phases

Two binary mixtures of polar liquid crystal materials were previously reported to exhibit three incommensurate smectic A phases predicted for such materials on the basis of phenomenological theory. Results of our recent high-resolution X-ray scattering experiments show that no incommensurate phases exist in the two systems. Wide coexistence regions are found at first order transitions between various frustrated smectic phases of these mixtures. These regions were previously identified as the incommensurate smectic A phases. The phase diagrams of the two systems determined with high-resolution X-ray technique are shown to be in excellent agreement with Baroisa-Prost-Lubensky theory.     

A Comparison of the Retention Behaviour of Vitamin A and Some Metabolites Eluted from Four Different Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Stationary Phases

Five retinoids, 13-cis-retinoic acid, 9-cis-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinol and 13-cis-retinal were isocratically separated from four different reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases. By taking advantage of the different retention mechanisms, present between the stationary phases and the analytes, the retinoids were separated with different elution orders using the same mobile phase composition. Two of the stationary phases appeared to have more possibilities to interact with the analytes than the usual hydrophobic interactions. The stationary phase with embedded polar groups showed hydrogen bonding properties and the calix[4]arene based stationary phase showed possibilities to form inclusion complexes with the analytes. These additional interactions appeared to benefit the separations of the analytes. This publication shows the benefits by isocratically separate retinoids employing other stationary phases than the conventional C₁₈ stationary phase.     

Plastic and glassy crystalline states of methane: A Monte Carlo simulation study

A Monte Carlo simulation study has been carried out on the glassy crystalline phases of methane obtained by annealing or quenching the plastic (orientationally disordered) phase. Different cooling rates lead to different states of the glass. Temperature variation of the reorientational parameter suggests the presence of a transition between the plastic and glassy crystalline phases.     

A concerted approach for the determination of molecular conformation in ordered and disordered materials

We present the successful application of a concerted approach for the investigation of the local environment in ordered and disordered phases in the solid state. In this approach we combined isotope labeling with computational methods and different solid-state NMR techniques. We chose triphenylphosphite (TPP) as an interesting example of our investigations because TPP exhibits two crystalline modifications and two different amorphous phases one of which is highly correlated. In particular we analyzed the conformational distribution in three of these phases. A sample of triply labeled 1-[13C]TPP was prepared and 1D MAS as well as wide-line 13C NMR spectra were measured. Furthermore we acquired 2D 13C wide-line exchange spectra and used this method to derive highly detailed information about the phenyl orientation in the investigated TPP phases. For linkage with a structure model a DFT analysis of the TPP molecule and its immediate environment was carried out. The ab initio calculations of the 13C chemical shift tensor in three- and six-spin systems served as a base for the calculation of 1D and 2D spectra. By comparing these simulations to the experiment an explicit picture of all phases could be drawn on a molecular level. Our results therefore reveal the high potential of the presented approach for detailed studies of the mesoscopic environment even in the challenging case of amorphous materials.     

A series of lead tungsten bronzes

The phases in samples of gross composition Pb_xWO₃ (0.01 ? x ? 0.28) heated at temperatures between 973 and 1373°K have been investigated. At all temperatures a nonstoichiometric tetragonal tungsten bronze phase forms for compositions x > 0.18. At temperatures up to 1273°K a series of orthorhombic intergrowth bronzes also forms, but these appear to be unstable at higher temperatures and were not found in the preparations made at 1373°K. Aspects of the crystal chemistry of these latter materials are discussed, including structure, crystal habit, valence of the Pb atoms in these phases, and the relation of the phases found here to other related intergrowth bronze phases.     

A chiral material with a new phase sequence: Twist grain boundary smectic A phase—blue phases

A new phase sequence: twist grain boundary S_a phase to blue phases was observed in a chiral compound (R)- or (S)-1-methylheptyl 3'-fluoro-4'-(3'-fluoro-4'-octadecyloxybenzoyloxy)tolan-4-carboxylate. It is the first time that blue phases have been found to occur above the TGBA phase in the absence of a cholesteric phase. These phases were characterized by microscopic observation, differential scanning calorimetry, the contact method and study of the racemic system.     

Separation of Positional Isomers on A,C- and A,D-Bridged Calix[6]arene as Stationary Phases in Capillary GC

A,C-Bridged (ACCX) and A,D-bridged isopropyldimethylsilylcalix[6]arene (ADCX) dissolved in OV-1701 were used as stationary phases in isothermal capillary gas chromatographic separation of some positional isomers. Retention factors and separation factors for the isomers were measured. The isomers investigated are well resolved on the two phases. Retention of all the solutes investigated is longer on ACCX than on ADCX. The longer retention on A,C-bridged calix[6]arene is probably due to extra inductive interactions of the solute molecule with the carbonyl moieties in the phase. Separation factors for closely eluting isomer pairs are similar on the two phases. This seems to indicate that the carbonyl moieties do not play an appreciable role in discriminating the isomer molecules on entering the cavity of the calixarene if the solute is retained by the inclusion process.     

Preliminary Communication : Induction of smectic A phases by electron donor-acceptor interaction between calamitic mesogens and 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone

The mesomorphic properties of conventional rod-like liquid crystals (diphenyl1,3,4-thiadiazoles, diphenylpyrimidines, diphenyltriazines, diphenyltetrazines and p-terphenyl derivatives), of macrocyclic liquid crystals and of dimesogens can be influenced by addition of the electron acceptor 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF). Thereby nematic and smectic C phases are suppressed and smectic A phases can be stabilized or induced. Long and branched terminal chains result in a strong stabilization of the SA phase, whereas no smectic phase is induced to accompany the nematic phases of mesogens with short terminal chains.     

The Total Synthesis of Spirotryprostatin A

Eight concise steps suffice for the first total synthesis of the title compound 1 , which inhibits the transitions from the G2 and M phases into the next phases of the cell cycle. Key steps in the synthesis are a stereocontrolled oxidative rearrangement of an indole to form the chiral spiroindolinone nucleus and a regioselecitve sulfoxide elimination.     

A concise review of dynamical processes in polymorphic environments of a block copolymer: Rotational diffusion and photoisomerization

This article describes our ongoing efforts to understand dynamical processes such as rotational diffusion and photoisomerization in polymorphic environments of a block copolymer. The objective is to explore how the typical properties of a block copolymer solution such as critical micelle temperature (CMT) and temperature-induced sol-gel transition influence the rotational diffusion of hydrophobic solute molecules. Rotational diffusion of solute molecules differs significantly below and above the CMT of a block copolymer solution, while there is no influence of sol-gel transition on solute rotation. This is rationalized on the basis of the site of solubilization of the solute molecules which is the palisade layer of the micelles in both phases and unaffected by gelation. A similar result has been obtained in case of photoisomerization studies carried out with a carbocyanine derivative in the sol and gel phases of the block copolymer. The isomerization studies have been extended to the reverse phases (sol and gel phases) of the block copolymer to explore the nature of the water present in the cores of the reverse micelles. Our results provide evidence for the existence of water droplets with properties resembling bulk water. In essence, we show that despite having vastly differing bulk properties, both the solution and gel phases (normal as well as reverse) offer identical microscopic environment.     

A molecular dynamics study of the crystalline and liquid phases of pyridine

A molecular dynamics simulation study of the solid and liquid phases of pyridine (C₅H₅N) has been carried out based on an intermolecular potential parameterized to solid state data. Structural and thermodynamic properties, as well as selected time correlation functions have been calculated for both phases. The simulations show evidence of a strong coupling between translational and rotational motion, particularly in the liquid phase. Comparison with the experimental data for both phases reveals inadequacies in the potential model employed.     

A Series of MAX Phases with MA‐Triangular‐Prism Bilayers and Elastic Properties

We report a new type of MAX phase (M=transition metals, A=main group elements, and X=C/N), Nb₃As₂C, designated as 321 phase. It differs from all the previous M_n+1AX_n phases in that it consists of an alternate stacking of one MX layer and two MA layers in its unit cell, while only one MA layer is allowed in usual MAX phases. The new 321 phase exhibits a bulk modulus of Nb₃As₂C up to 225(3) GPa as determined by high‐pressure synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, one of the highest values among MAX phases. Isostructural 321 phases V₃As₂C, Nb₃P₂C, and Ta₃P₂C are also found to exist. First‐principles calculations reveal the outstanding elastic stiffness in 321 phases. Among all 321 phases, Nb₃P₂C is predicted to have the highest elastic properties. These 321 phases, represented by a chemical formula M_n+1A_nX, were added as new members to the MAX family and their other properties deserve future investigations.     

Ferroelectric liquid crystals and dopants containing the chiral thiirane unit. A comparison with analogous oxiranes

The synthesis and mesomorphic properties of a new type of ferroelectric liquid crystals and dopants (for induced ferroelectric phases) containing cis or trans disub-stituted thiiranes as the chiral unit are described. A comparison of the thiiranes with the corresponding oxiranes is given. In the thiirane series the tendency to exhibit mesophases is less pronounced. S*_C phases occur for three aromatic cores in the mesogenic part of the molecule. The temperature ranges of the liquid crystal phases are broader and the transition temperatures are higher in the trans compared with cis configured thiiranes and oxiranes. Cis configured thiiranes exhibit a higher spontaneous polarization than the corresponding trans compounds.     

A Review of Ionic Liquids in Chromatographic and Electromigration Techniques

Although there have been numerous studies on the use of ionic liquids (IL) as solvents for synthesis and catalysis, there are many potential new fields for their application. The number of studies dealing with the use of ILs as additives to the mobile phase in LC and CZE and as a stationary phases in GC is constantly increasing. The main goal of the present paper is to gather together studies concerning the use of ILs in chromatographic techniques. The application of these substances as stationary phases, mobile phase additives and electroosmotic flow modifiers is discussed. Conversely, the application of separation methods in the analysis of ILs is also the subject of this review.     

TiC固体的相稳定性和高压相变的密度泛函研究

采用基于第一性原理的密度泛函方法对TiC固体的NaCl,WC和CsCl三种相的电子结构进行了研究,结果表明,在零压力下相稳定次序为NaCl>WC>CsCl,该顺序可用费米能级附近电子态的大小加以解释,当增加外压力时,随着单胞体积的减小,CsCl相逐渐成为稳定相,在外压约为475.9GPa时,NaCl相将向CsCl相转变,而CsCl相转变为WC相要求的外压较高.此外,还进一步探讨了压力对三种相的能带结构、化学键以及电荷密度的影响.     

Induction of smectic A phases with calamitic molecules and 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone: the influence of branching and chain length

Binary systems consisting of 2,5-diphenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives incorporating an allene unit in one of the terminal chains and the electron acceptor 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF) have been investigated. Though the diphenylthiadiazole cores do not represent typical electron donor units, the nematic and smectic C phases observed for the pure compounds were suppressed and replaced by smectic A phases which in most cases have a higher stability than the nematic phases of the pure compounds. The substitution pattern around the allene moiety allowed a systematic study of the influence of steric effects on the mesophase induction by TNF. Compounds with long and especially those with branched terminal chains can take up a larger number of TNF molecules and can reach a higher stability of the induced SmA phase than those with shorter and unbranched chains. The induction of SmA phases is explained as the result of attractive intermolecular interaction between the diphenylthiadiazole rigid cores and TNF molecules provided by donor-acceptor interactions and quadrupole interactions, as well as a consequence of microsegregation and space filling effects.