stability study of octadecylalumina columns for use in HPLC

Chromatographic stability studies of an alumina-based reversed phase, ODA, stationary phase were performed. These studies involved monitoring the chromatographic performance of columns packed with the ODA phase after separate, continuous treatment with aqueous solutions of trifluoroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide over a period of several weeks. Chromatographic performance of the ODA columns undergoing treatment with these mobile phases was evaluated by comparing changes in chromatographic capacity factors, resolutions, plate numbers, and peak asymmetries of a test mixture consisting of uracil, phenol, aniline, methyl benzoate, m-toluidine, N,N-dimethylaniline, and toluene. The results indicate that the alumina-based ODA phase is stable under acidic conditions (pH 2--3) and exceptionally stable to chemical degradation under alkaline conditions (pH ∼ 11).