New hydrophilic interaction/reversed-phase mixed-mode stationary phase and its application for analysis of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants.

We have developed a new stationary phase that combines both hydrophilic interaction and reversed-phase characteristics. The new phase is based on high-purity, porous and spherical silica gel functionalized with a silyl ligand consisting of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalities. This phase can be operated in both HILIC mode (high organic solvent) and RPLC mode (low organic solvent). An optimal balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties on the silica surface provides unique chromatographic properties that make it useful for determination of alkyl chain distribution and degree of ethoxylation (EO number) of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants.