Characterization of calix[N]arenes as stationary and mobile phase modifiers for RP-HPLC

Abstract

The bowl-shaped class of macrocyclic molecules known as calixarenes has become an increasingly important area of interest and research in the chromatographic sciences. Due to their ability to form host-guest complexes with a variety of analyte molecules, calixarenes have been successfully used as modifiers in both the stationary phases and mobile phases of reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Some calixarenes have also proven useful in performing chiral separations using HPLC. This research was a study of 4-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) as staionary phoase modifiers when covalently bound to a silica stationary phase substrate and also when physically absorbed into a C18 stationary phase. 4-tert-butycalix[4]arene and 4-sulfonic calix]4]arene were also studied as mobile phase additives for modifying RP-HPLC separations using a number of solute probes.