The p-nitro-tetradecyloxy-calix[4]arene as a highly selective stationary phase for gas chromatographic separations

Here we report the first example of utilization of p-nitro-tetradecyloxy-calix[4]arene (C4A-NO2) as stationary phase for capillary gas chromatographic (GC) separations. The statically coated C4A-NO2 column exhibited high column efficiency of 3815 plates/m and moderate polarity. The C4A-NO2 column was investigated for its separation performance and retention behaviours by utilizing a wide variety of isomer mixtures, covering alkylated benzenes and naphthalenes, alkenes, furan, alcohols, benzaldehydes, phenols and halogenated anilines. Importantly, C4A-NO2 column exhibited high resolving capability for both aliphatic and aromatic isomers. Particularly, it displayed advantageous resolving capability over the commercial DB-17 column for halogenated aniline isomers. This work provides a good reference for designing calixarene derivatives as GC stationary phases, which is important for developing a family of stationary phases with specific selectivity.