Chemometric characterization of Lewis base-modified zirconia for normal phase chromatography

Abstract Microporous zirconia was evaluated for its chromatographic properties as a normal phase support. Since previous studies in aqueous media had indicated a strong effect of eluent Lewis base on chromatographic properties, a number of Lewis base pretreatments of the support were evaluated as to their effect on normal phase selectivities. The retention characteristics of over thirty well characterized probe solutes were determined on eight different “acid”- or “base”-washed zirconia supports. These results were compared with those obtained for a silica column. Chemometric methodology was used to characterize the similarities and differences between the “acid”- and “base”-washed supports. The lack of chromatographic reproducibility previously observed under normal-phase conditions on zirconia appears to be a result of the lack of specific descriptions regarding the “acid” or “base” pretreatment.