A study in high-temperature silylation of silica

High-temperature silylation (HTS) used for the deactivation of capillary columns was studied on the silica commonly used in HPLC to gain a better insight into this process. LiChrosorb Si 100 was silylated with disilazanes at different temperatures and the materials obtained were compared in terms of organic and silanol group surface concentration, IR reflection spectra, HPLC behavior, and pore distribution parameters. Applying diphenyltetramethyldisilazane, the volatile reaction products were monitored during the HTS process. With increasing silylation temperature up to 400°C the silanol surface concentration is reduced to a very small level independent of the organic group concentration which exhibits a broad maximum depending upon substituents and temperature. Up to 350°C triorganosiloxy groups prevail as bonded organic groups. It could be proved that HTS is accompanied by pore alterations of the silica matrix. Arguments proposed by different authors in explaining HTS effects are discussed.