Chain Order and Mobility of High-Density C₁₈ Phases by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy and Liquid Chromatography

C(18) phases prepared by different synthetic pathways are examined by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Silane functionality is clearly indicated by (29)Si CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. Order and mobility of the alkyl chains are investigated with high-speed (1)H MAS and (13)C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy. Differences in coverage are monitored by (1)H line widths,( 13)C chemical shifts, (13)C cross-polarization constants, and (1)H relaxation times in the rotating frame. It is shown that C(18) phases prepared by the surface polymerization technique exhibit a more regular surface coverage than sorbents prepared by conventional polymeric synthesis. The findings from solid-state NMR investigations are discussed in the context of liquid chromatography (LC) separations of linear and bulky polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) solutes.