High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Stationary Phases Based on π–π Electron Interaction. Aminopropyl Silica Gels Modified with Metal Phthalocyanines

Abstract

Abstract Aminopropyl silica gels were modified with two porphyrin derivatives and five phthalocyanine derivatives. The modified silica gels were evaluated for the usefulness as high-performance liquid chromatography stationary phases for the separation of π-electron-rich polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene and phenanthrene. As a result of the modification, the aminopropyl silica gels acquired a function of π–π electron interaction with PAHs. In particular, the aminopropyl silica gel modified with copper phthalocyanine (Cu-PCS) showed the strongest π–π electron interaction with PAHs. It was the most suited as a stationary phase for the separations of PAHs among the modified silica gels tested. The Cu-PCS column could be utilized for the separation of π-electron-rich compounds including medicines, mutagens, and pollutants.