PEG-linked geminal dicationic ionic liquids as selective, high-stability gas chromatographic stationary phases.

It is known that room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have wide applicability in many scientific and technological fields. In this work, a series of three new dicationic room-temperature ionic liquids functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) linkages were synthesized and characterized via a linear solvation model. The application of these ILs as new GC stationary phases was studied. The efficient separation of several mixtures containing compounds of different polarities and 24 components of a flavor and fragrance mixture indicated comparable or higher resolving power for the new IL stationary phases compared to the commercial polysiloxane and poly(ethylene glycol)-based stationary phases. In addition, the selectivities of the IL stationary phases could be quite unique. The separation of a homologous alkane and alcohol mixture displayed the "dual nature" of these ionic liquids as GC stationary phases. The thermal stability study showed the column robustness up to 350 degrees C. The high separation power, unique selectivity, high efficiency and high thermal stability of the new dicationic ionic liquids indicate that they may be applicable as a new type of robust GC stationary phase.