Inverse gas chromatographic characterization of functionalized polysiloxanes. Relevance to sensors technology

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to determine partition coefficients between reference solutes and a series of five polysiloxanes: polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), poly(methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropylsiloxane) (PMTFPS), poly(cyanopropylsiloxane) (PCPMS) and a linear and branched functionalized polysiloxanes with hexafluorodimethylcarbinol groups (PLF and PBF). These partition coefficients, combined with the solvation energy relationship (LSER) allowed us to determine physicochemical parameters describing dispersive, polar and acid–base properties of polysiloxanes. The strong acidic character of PLF and PBF on the one hand, and the basic character of PCPMS on the other hand are firmly demonstrated.