Synthesis and properties of uniform beads based on macroporous copolymer glycidyl methacrylate–ethylene dimethacrylate: A way to improve separation media for HPLC

Abstract

Abstract Monodisperse beads based on hydrolyzed macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐ co ‐ethylene dimethacrylate) for use as size‐exclusion HPLC packings were synthesized by the method of “activated” swelling of polystyrene seeds followed by a suspension polymerization of both methacrylates. Effects of the type and fraction of the swelling agent, inert porogenic solvent, and cross‐linking monomer on the uniformity of the particles, extent of the specific surface area, pore volume, pore size, and pore‐size distribution and chromatographic properties (size‐exclusion limit and column effciency) have been investigated. Trends leading to the synthesis of macroporous particles with predesigned properties for use in size‐exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography in both aqueous and organic mobile phase were studied. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.