Study of the influence of N-benzylideneanilines conformation on retention in normal phase liquid chromatography

The influence of N-benzylideneanline conformation on retention is studied in normal phase liquid chromatography. The effects responsible for retention are investigated using different organic modifiers in the eluent which give specific basic or acidic interactions. Retention is measured with three eluents and the molecular conformations are calculated using semi-empirical methods. The topological and correspondence factor analyses of retention and conformation of compounds show that retention is principally governed by polar interactions and secondary electronic effects. These electronic effects are due to the influence of substituents, either on the benzylidene or aniline rings, on molecular conformation and on the nitrogen charge. The electronic effects are revealed by the influence of the basic or acidic interactions of the eluent.