Supramolecular Chromatographic Separation of C 60 and C 70 Fullerenes: Flash Column Chromatography vs. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 22; no. 11
• Main Authors: Mekapothula, Subbareddy, Wonanke, A D Dinga, Addicoat, Matthew A, Boocock, David J, Wallis, John D, Cave, Gareth W V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; Chromatography, Gel - methods; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid - methods; Fullerenes - chemistry; Fullerenes - isolation & purification; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Molecular Structure; Quantum Theory; Silicon Dioxide - chemistry; Thermogravimetry; fullerenes; stationary phase; flash column chromatography; pyrogallolarene; HPLC; size-selective molecular recognition
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115726

A silica-bound -butylpyrogallol[4]arene chromatographic stationary phase was prepared and characterised by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, NMR and mass spectrometry. The chromatographic performance was investigated by using C and C fullerenes in reverse phase mode via flash column and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The resulting new stationary phase was observed to demonstrate size-selective molecular recognition as postulated from our in-silico studies. The silica-bound -butylpyrogallol[4]arene flash and HPLC stationary phases were able to separate a C - and C -fullerene mixture more effectively than an RP-C stationary phase. The presence of toluene in the mobile phase plays a significant role in achieving symmetrical peaks in flash column chromatography.