System Maps for XTerra MS C18: Effect of Solvent Type on Selectivity in Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

The solvation parameter model is used to establish the contribution of cohesion, dipole-type and hydrogen-bonding interactions to the retention mechanism on an XTerra MS C₁₈ stationary phase with acetonitrile-water, methanol-water and tetrahydrofuran-water mobile phases containing from 10 to 70% (v/v) organic solvent. Solute size and electron lone pair interactions are responsible for retention while dipole-type and hydrogen-bonding interactions result in lower retention. The volume fraction of water in the mobile phase plays a dominant role in the retention mechanism. However, the change in values of the system constants of the solvation parameter model cannot be explained entirely by assuming the principle role of the organic solvent is to act as a diluent for the mobile phase. Selective solvation of the stationary phase by the organic solvent and the ability of the organic solvent to extract water into the stationary phase, and/or the absorption of water-organic solvent complexes by the stationary phase, are important in accounting for the details revealed about the retention mechanism by the solvation parameter model. A qualitative picture of the above solvent effects, compatible with current knowledge of solvent and stationary phase properties, is presented.