Silica-Based Phenyl and Octyl Bifunctional Imidazolium as a New Mixed-Mode Stationary Phase for Reversed-Phase and Anion-Exchange Chromatography

In this study, octylbenzimidazolium-modified silica (BeImC8-Sil) was prepared by covalent attachment of 1-octylbenzimidazole to γ-chloropropyl silica. The synthesized materials were characterized by the elemental analysis, IR spectrum, and thermogravimetric analysis. Due to the introduction of phenyl and octyl groups on the quaternary imidazolium, the developed BeImC8-Sil column can function via both reversed-phase and anion-exchange retention mechanisms. The chromatographic properties of the synthesized material were investigated by the separations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mono-substituted derivatives of benzene, anilines, and phenols, revealing the existence of multiple interactions, including hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, electrostatic forces, and hydrophobic interactions in reversed-phase mode; inorganic and organic anions were also separated mainly through anion-exchange interaction. The proposed BeImC8-Sil is a promising mixed-mode stationary phase for the separation of complex samples in high-performance liquid chromatography.