Characterization and applications of reversed-phase column selectivity based on the hydrophobic-subtraction model

A total of 371 reversed-phase columns have now been characterized in terms of selectivity, based on five solute–column interactions (the hydrophobic-subtraction model). The present study illustrates the use of these data for interpreting peak-tailing and column stability. New insights are also provided concerning column selectivity as a function of ligand and silica type, and the selection of columns for orthogonal separations is re-examined. Some suggestions for the quality control of reversed-phase columns during manufacture are offered.