Application of thermodynamic‐based retention time prediction to ionic liquid stationary phases

First‐ and second‐dimension retention times for a series of alkyl phosphates were predicted for multiple column combinations in GC×GC. This was accomplished through the use of a three‐parameter thermodynamic model where the analytes’ interactions with the stationary phases in both dimensions are known. Ionic liquid columns were employed to impart unique selectivity for alkyl phosphates, and it was determined that for alkyl phosphate compounds, ionic liquid columns are best used in the primary dimension. Retention coordinates for unknown phosphates are predicted from the thermodynamic parameters of a set standard alkyl phosphates. Additionally, we present changing retention properties of alkyl phosphates on some ionic liquid columns, due to suspected reaction between the analyte and column. This makes it difficult to accurately predict their retention properties, and in general poses a problem for ionic liquid columns with these types of analytes.     

A simple approach to prepare a sulfone‐embedded stationary phase for HPLC

In the present study, a polar‐embedded reversed‐phase liquid chromatographic stationary phase that contained internal sulfone groups was prepared. The synthesis involved the “thiol‐ene” click chemistry between the vinyl functionalized silica and 1‐octadecanethiol, followed by the oxidization of sulfide to sulfone groups. The resulting material simultaneously possessed the alkyl chain, i.e. C18, and the internal sulfone groups. Elemental analysis demonstrates that the element contents of the C18/sulfone silica were C 8.94%, H 1.87% and S 0.66%. Chromatographic evaluations indicate that the C18/sulfone stationary phase exhibited a little less retention than the C18/sulfide one. A comparable chromatographic performance of neutral analytes was obtained on these two columns, but much better chromatographic performance in the case of basic and acid analytes was obtained on C18/sulfone stationary phase with additional features such as lower silanol activity, better stability (stable working conditions of pH 1.0–10.0), and better compatibility with 100% aqueous mobile phases. The batch‐to‐batch reproducibility was acceptable (the RSDs of retention times for the probes were no higher than 1.73%), demonstrating the suitability of the applied synthetic strategy for the new stationary phase. The C18/sulfone is a promising polar‐embedded RPLC stationary phase.     

Predictions of Reversed-Phase Gradient Elution LC Separations Supported by QSRR

Previous studies demonstrated that quantitative structure-retention relationships (QSRR) combined with the linear solvent strength (LSS) model allow for prediction of gradient reversed-phase liquid chromatography retention time for any analyte of a known molecular structure under defined LC conditions. A QSRR model derived at the selected gradient time and at the same gradient time was tested. The aim the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of QSRR predictions used during the predictions of LC gradient retention times with variable gradient times. For this purpose, predictions of retention times at two gradient times were used to find the optimal, different gradient times. In the first step, experimental retention data for the model set of analytes were used to derive appropriate QSRR models at two gradient times. These QSRR models were further used to predict gradient retention times for another set of testing analytes at the two selected above gradient times. Then, applying linear solvent-strength (LSS) theory, the predicted retention times for test analytes were used to find other optimal gradient times for those analytes. Satisfactory predictions of gradient retention times for test analytes were obtained at gradient times different from those applied for model analytes.     

Comparison of theoretical and experimental models for characterizing solvent properties using reversed phase liquid chromatography

Theoretical and experimental quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRR) models are useful for characterizing solvent properties and column selectivity in reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). The chromatographic behavior of a model analyte, the herbicide atrazine, in a system derived from nine organic solvents and three chromatographic columns was used for developing QSRR models. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used as statistical approaches. The similarities and differences between linear solvation energy relationships (LSER), and semi-empirical and theoretical molecular models were demonstrated. QSRR models show high predictive power, and can successfully predict retention factor (log k) for new solvents. The models are useful for solvent optimization and reducing time for method development in RPLC. The herbicide atrazine can be readily analyzed at a low level, and all three columns provided good resolution, high-performance and symmetrical peaks. The method is suitable for analysis of atrazine in water samples.     

Properties of two amide‐based hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography columns

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography is a separation technique suitable for the separation of moderately and highly polar compounds. Various stationary phases (SPs) for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography are commercially available. While the SPs based on the same type of ligand are available from different providers, they can display a distinct retention characteristics and separation selectivity. The current work is focused on characterization and comparison of the separation systems of two amide‐based HPLC columns from two producers, i.e. XBridge Amide column and TSK gel Amide‐80 column. Several characterization procedures (tests) were used to investigate the differences between these columns. The chromatographic behavior of selected analytes indicates that multimodal interactions are responsible for retention and separation on these columns. Multiple testing approaches were used in order to reveal subtle differences between the SPs. Both amide‐based columns showed certain differences in retention, selectivity, and plate counts. Based on the tests used in this study, we conclude that the investigated columns provide a different degree of H‐bonding interactions.     

Retention Prediction System of O‐Aryl,O‐(1‐methylthioethylidene‐amino)phosphates on RP‐HPLC

Using factor analysis and stepwise linear regression methods, two parameters – CMR and ECCR – were selected from eight solute‐related structure parameters as the most retention‐influencing parameters. The relationships between the retention data (k ´) and the two structure parameters were established for 13 O‐aryl,O‐(1‐methylthioethylideneamino)phosphate compounds under a wide range of experimental conditions. The retention data (k ´) of another seven compounds with similar structures were predicted using these QSRR equations. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental k ´ values and predicted ones.     

A simple,fast, and accurate thermodynamic‐based approach for transfer and prediction of gas chromatography retention times between columns and instruments Part I: Estimation of reference column geometry and thermodynamic parameters

The transfer of retention times based on thermodynamic models between columns can aid in separation optimization and compound identification in gas chromatography. Although earlier investigations have been reported, this problem remains unsuccessfully addressed. One barrier is poor predictive accuracy when moving from a reference column or system to a new target column or system. This is attributed to challenges associated with the accurate determination of the effective geometric parameters of the columns. To overcome this, we designed least squares‐based models that account for geometric parameters of the columns and thermodynamic parameters of compounds as they partition between mobile and stationary phases. Quasi‐Newton‐based algorithms were then used to perform the numerical optimization. In this first of three parts, the model used to determine the geometric parameters of the reference column and the thermodynamic parameters of compounds subjected to separation is introduced. As will be shown, the overall approach significantly improves the predictive accuracy and transferability of thermodynamic data (and retention times) between columns of the same stationary phase chemistry. The data required for the determination of the thermodynamic parameters and retention time prediction are obtained from fast and simple experiments. The proposed model and optimization algorithms were tested and validated using simulated and experimental data.     

Preparation of phosphorylcholine‐based hydrophilic monolithic column and application for analysis of drug‐related impurities with capillary electrochromatography

A hydrophilic monolithic CEC column was prepared by thermal copolymerization of zwitterionic monomer 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), either methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (META) or sodium 2‐methylpropene‐1‐sulfonate (MPS) in a polar binary porogen consisting of methanol and THF. A typical hydrophilic interaction LC retention mechanism was observed for low‐molecular weight polar compounds including amides, nucleotides, and nucleosides in the separation mode of hydrophilic interaction CEC, when high content of ACN (>60%) was used as the mobile phase. The effect of the electrostatic interaction between the analytes and the stationary phase was found to be negligible. The poly(MPC‐co‐PETA‐co‐META or MPS) monolithic columns have an average column efficiency of 40 000 plates/m and displayed with a satisfactory repeatability in terms of migration time and peak areas. Finally, the column was successfully applied to determine the impurities of a positively charged drug pramipexole which are often separated by ion pair RP chromatography due to their high hydrophilicity. All four components can be baseline separated within 5 min with BGE consisting of ACN/20 mM ammonium formate buffer (pH 3.0; 80/20).     

3，5-二甲基苯基异氰酸酯替考拉宁和苯基异氰酸酯替考拉宁手性固定相的评价与比较

用大环抗生素替考拉宁手性固定相(TE CSP)分别与3,5-二甲基苯基异氰酸酯和苯基异氰酸酯反应得到了两种新型的高效液相色谱手性固定相----3,5-二甲基苯基异氰酸酯替考拉宁手性固定相(DMP-TE CSP)和苯基异氰酸酯替考拉宁手性固定相(Ph-TE CSP)。用十八个手性化合物在反相及极性流动相模式对这两种CSP的对映体分离能力进行了评价和比较。在反相流动相中,十二个化合物（包括八个氨基酸和四个非氨基酸化合物----对羟基苯甘氨酸,拉米夫定,醇酸和去甲羟安定）的对映体在这两种手性固定相上都获得了分离,大部分的溶质在DMP-TE上获得了更强的保留和稍好的手性分离效果。在极性流动相中,六个氨基醇类化合物在DMP-TE上获得了更强的保留,但它们在两种CSP上的选择因子几乎没有区别。对自制的替考拉宁衍生物手性固定相进行评价和比较,将有助于大环糖肽类抗生素手性固定相手性识别机理的研究。     

A simple,fast, and accurate thermodynamic‐based approach for transfer and prediction of gas chromatography retention times between columns and instruments Part III: Retention time prediction on target column

This is the third part of a three‐part series of papers. In Part I, we presented a method for determining the actual effective geometry of a reference column as well as the thermodynamic‐based parameters of a set of probe compounds in an in‐house mixture. Part II introduced an approach for estimating the actual effective geometry of a target column by collecting retention data of the same mixture of probe compounds on the target column and using their thermodynamic parameters, acquired on the reference column, as a bridge between both systems. Part III, presented here, demonstrates the retention time transfer and prediction from the reference column to the target column using experimental data for a separate mixture of compounds. To predict the retention time of a new compound, we first estimate its thermodynamic‐based parameters on the reference column (using geometric parameters determined previously). The compound's retention time on a second column (of previously determined geometry) is then predicted. The models and the associated optimization algorithms were tested using simulated and experimental data. The accuracy of predicted retention times shows that the proposed approach is simple, fast, and accurate for retention time transfer and prediction between gas chromatography columns.     

Isolation and purification of isoflavonoids from Rhizoma Belamcandae by two‐dimensional preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography with column switch technology

A two‐dimensional column‐switching system without sample loop trapping, where two columns were operated via a six‐port switching valve, was employed in the isolation and purification of five isoflavonoids from Rhizoma Belamcandae: tectoridin, iridin, tectorigenin, irigenin and irisflorentin. The introduction of the six‐port switching value, instead of a sample loop, assured 100% recovery from the first dimension to the second, and the injection volumes of the second dimension were not restricted. Two configurations were tested in this study. In the first mode, only one column was used in the second dimension and two ‘heart‐cutting’ fractions were transported to the same second‐dimensional column. In the second mode, two parallel columns were used in the second dimension and two fractions were transported to the two columns. Between the two configurations, the one with two second dimensional columns had double sample size, better resolution and one more purified compound. Both two‐dimensional configurations consumed less solvent with even greater efficiency and shorter cycle time compared with conventional gradient methods. All of the isoflavonoids were isolated at high purities of greater than 95% with yields of above 82%. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Molecular Distance‐Edge Vector (μ) and Chromatographic Retention Index of Alkanes

A new method of quantitative structure‐retention relationship (QSRR) is proposed for estimating and predicting gas chromatographic retention indices of alkanes by using a novel molecular distance‐edge vector, called μ vector, containing 10 elements. The QSRR model (Ml), between the μ vector and chromatographic retention indices of 64 alkanes, was developed by using multiple linear regression (MLR) with the correlation coefficient being R = 0.9992 and the root mean square (RMS) error between the estimated and measured retention indices being RMS = 5.938. In order to explain the equation stability and prediction abilities of the M1 model, it is essential to perform a cross‐validation (CV) procedure. Satisfactory CV results have been obtained by using one external predicted sample every time with the average correlation coefficient being R = 0.9988 and average RMS = 7.128. If 21 compounds, about one third drawn from all 64 alkanes, construct an external prediction set and the 43 remaining construct an internal calibration set, the second QSRR model (M2) can be created by using calibration set data with statistics being R = 0.9993 and RMS = 5.796. The chromatographic retention indices of 21 compounds in the external testing set can be predicted by the M2 model and good prediction results are obtained with R = 0.9988 and RMS = 6.508.     

New zwitterionic polymethacrylate monolithic columns for one‐ and two‐dimensional microliquid chromatography

We prepared 0.53 and 0.32 mm id monolithic microcolumns by in situ copolymerization of a zwitterionic sulfobetaine functional monomer with bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BIGDMA) and dioxyethylene dimetacrylate crosslinkers. The columns show a dual retention mechanism (hydrophilic‐interaction mode) in acetonitrile‐rich mobile phases and RP in highly aqueous mobile phases. The new 0.53 mm id columns provided excellent reproducibility, retention, and separation selectivity for phenolic acids and flavonoids. The new zwitterionic monolithic columns are highly orthogonal, with respect to alkyl silica stationary phases, not only in the hydrophilic‐interaction mode but also in the RP mode. The optimized monolithic zwitterionic microcolumn of 0.53 mm id was employed in the first dimension, either in the aqueous normal‐phase or in the RP mode, coupled with a short nonpolar core‐shell column in the second dimension, for comprehensive 2D LC separations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. When the 2D setup with the sulfobetaine–BIGDMA column was used for repeated sample analysis, with alternating gradients of decreasing (hydrophilic‐interaction mode), and increasing (RP mode) concentration of acetonitrile on the sulfobetaine–BIGDMA column in the first dimension, useful complementary information on the sample could be obtained.     

Validation of the extended Tanaka column characterization protocol by multivariate analysis of chromatographic retention of low‐molecular‐weight analytes on reversed phase columns using methanol and acetonitrile as organic modifiers

The validity of the extended Tanaka column characterization procedure against the retention behavior of 101 analytes of widely differing properties chromatographed on five differing stationary phase chemistries has been established using a chemometric technique called principal component analysis (PCA). It was concluded that the simple and conveniently determined column characterization parameters covered the same space in the PCA loading plot as the retention times for the 101 differing analytes. This confirms that the ten column characterization parameters of the extended Tanaka protocol encode the same information as the retention times of the 101 analytes. Significant selectivity differences were observed between stationary phases and the mobile‐phase modifiers – MeOH and MeCN. PCA contribution plots served as a convenient way to highlight specific selectivity differences between stationary phases. logD values exhibited a poor correlation with retention indicating that retention in RP‐LC is not solely dictated by the analyte's hydrophobicity. The use of MeOH was found to generate greater selectivity differences with the five stationary phases than when MeCN is used.     

Evaluation of an amide‐based stationary phase for supercritical fluid chromatography

A relatively new stationary phase containing a polar group embedded in a hydrophobic backbone (i.e., ACE ® C18‐amide) was evaluated for use in supercritical fluid chromatography. The amide‐based column was compared with columns packed with bare silica, C₁₈ silica, and a terminal‐amide silica phase. The system was held at supercritical pressure and temperature with a mobile phase composition of CO₂ and methanol as cosolvent. The linear solvation energy relationship model was used to evaluate the behavior of these stationary phases, relating the retention factor of selected probes to specific chromatographic interactions. A five‐component test mixture, consisting of a group of drug‐like molecules was separated isocratically. The results show that the C₁₈‐amide stationary phase provided a combination of interactions contributing to the retention of the probe compounds. The hydrophobic interactions are favorable; however, the electron donating ability of the embedded amide group shows a large positive interaction. Under the chromatographic conditions used, the C₁₈‐amide column was able to provide baseline resolution of all the drug‐like probe compounds in a text mixture, while the other columns tested did not.     

Preparation of a novel carboxyl stationary phase by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry for hydrophilic interaction chromatography

A novel carboxyl‐bonded silica stationary phase was prepared by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry. The resultant Thiol‐Click‐COOH phase was evaluated under hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mobile phase conditions. A comparison of the chromatographic performance of Thiol‐Click‐COOH and pure silica columns was performed according to the retention behaviors of analytes and the charged state of the stationary phases. The results indicated that the newly developed Thiol‐Click‐COOH column has a higher surface charge and stronger hydrophilicity than the pure silica column. Furthermore, the chromatographic behaviors of five nucleosides on the Thiol‐Click‐COOH phase were investigated in detail. Finally, a good separation of 13 nucleosides and bases, and four water‐soluble vitamins was achieved.     

Terminal‐vinyl liquid crystal crown ether‐modified,vinyl‐functionalized hybrid silica monolith for capillary electrochromatography

A novel terminal‐vinyl liquid crystal crown ether (2‐[4‐(3‐undeceny‐1‐yloxy)‐phenyl]‐2‐[4′‐(4′‐carboxybenzo‐15‐crown‐5)‐phenyl] propane) (LCCE) was synthesized and used to modify hybrid silica‐based monolithic column possessing vinyl ligands for CEC. The monolithic silica matrix containing vinyl functionalities was prepared by in situ co‐condensation of tetramethoxysilane and vinyl‐trimethoxysilane via sol–gel process and chemically modified with LCCE by free radical polymerization procedure using α,α'‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. Morphology of the monolithic column was examined by SEM and mercury porosimetry and the successful incorporation of terminal‐vinyl LCCE to the vinyl‐hybrid monolith was characterized by infrared spectra. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzenediols, carbamate pesticides and steroids, were successfully separated on the column. The separations were dominated hydrogen bonding supplied by crown ether and hydrophobic interaction offered by the liquid crystal. The effect of ACN concentration on separation performance was studied and the result indicated that RP retention mechanism played an important role. Reproducibilities of migration times for the six selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were reasonable, with relative standard deviation less than 3.50% for five consecutive within‐column runs and were 8.38–9.11% for column‐to‐column measurements of three columns.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as test probes to investigate the retention behavior of 1,3‐alternate calix[4]arene silica‐bonded stationary phases

A series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of different size and shape has been used to characterize the chromatographic behavior of five calix[4]arene stationary phases in 1,3‐alternate conformation synthesized in our laboratory. The selection of linear, four‐ring nonlinear, and five‐ring PAHs gave data on selectivity changes across range of the calix[4]arene columns. Retention of the 12 aromatic solutes has been evaluated at various methanol contents in the mobile phase (70–100% v/v) and column temperatures (20–45°C). The thermodynamic parameters underlying the retention mechanisms revealed that each of the five calix[4]arene columns exhibited variation in selectivity and retention of PAHs caused by enthalpy and entropy effects. The calixarene stationary phases substituted with electron‐withdrawing groups exhibit enhanced selectivity toward PAHs in comparison to the rest of the investigated columns. The observed divergences are due to differences in solute–stationary phase interactions and originate in π–π and π‐electron transfer specific to the analytes and the type of calix[4]arene functionalization at the upper rim, as well as steric and sorption phenomena.