Preparation and evaluation of a novel monolithic column containing double octadecyl chains for reverse-phase micro high performance liquid chromatography

A novel reverse-phase monolithic stationary phase containing double long alkyl chains was prepared based on the thermally initiated co-polymerization of 3-methylacryloyl-3-oxapropyl-3-(N,N-dioctadecylcarbamoyl)-propionate (AOD) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) in the presence of 2-methyl-1-propanol and 1,4-butanediol as the selected porogens. The polymerization was carefully optimized and good permeability, stability and column efficiency were observed for the final monolithic columns. The column also showed good long term stability and reproducibility. The methylene selectivity demonstrates typical reversed phase characteristics. The optimized poly (AOD-co-EDMA) monolith exhibited good selectivity for a range of non-polar test analytes such as PAHs, tocopherols and alkylphenones. A good separation of intact proteins was also observed.