HMDS greatly extends the practical range of GC, improving chromatographic results in the silylation of sugars and related substances.
HMDS - Quick Reference
Chemical Name:
Hexamethyldisilazane
IUPAC Name:
[dimethyl-(trimethylsilylamino)silyl]methane
Chemical Forumula:
C6H19NSi2
Molecular Weight:
161.4
Boiling Point:
125°C
Density:
0.77
Product Detail
Highlights
Soluble in organic solvents
Used for deactivating HPLC or GC packings and glass wool
Pierce HMDS is a popular monofunctional silane that many researchers have found useful for deactivating and coating HPLC or GC chromatographic supports. Because of their monofunctional nature, these silanes can react with only one site on the surface making the surface inert. Polymerization is not possible, eliminating the chances for unbound polymers to float free and elute from the column – avoiding exposure of unreacted silanols beneath the layer. In addition, surface moisture is eliminated, because monofunctional reagents dehydrate the surface. In addition to deactivation of glass surfaces, HMDS is a popular choice for silylation of sugars and related substances.
HMDS is also used for deactivating glass wool and for treating GC injection port glass inserts. Several methods are available for deactivating surfaces with HMDS. The item(s) to be deactivated may be dipped in a 5-10% solution of the reagent in a non-reactive solvent. Vapor phase deactivation may be performed by pulling straight vapor into an evacuated container containing the item to be deactivated. To deactivate glass wool, a few milliliters of HMDS may be added to a beaker along with the item and a watch glass placed on top of the beaker.
References 1. Ren, S., et al. (1992). O-acetylated gangliosides in bovine buttermilk. Characterization of 7-O-acetyl, 9-O-acetyl, and 7,9-di-O-acetyl GD3. J. Biol. Chem. 267: 12632-12638. 2. Footer, M and Bretscher, A. (1994). Brush border myosin-I microinjected into cultured cells is targeted to actincontaining surface structures. J. Cell Sci. 107: 1623-1631. 3. Novina, R. (1982). Gas Liquid Chromatography of Isopropylidene Monosaccharides and their Trimethylsilyl Derivatives. Chromatographia 15: 241. 4. De Jong, A.P.J.M. et al. Derivatization of Catecholamines in Aqueous Solution for Quantitative Analysis in Biological Fluids. J. Chromatography, 276: 267. 5. Kotz, K.J. and McNiven, M.A. (1994). Intracellular Calcium and cAMP Regulate Directional Pigment Movements in Teleost Erythrophores. J. Cell Biol., 124(4): 463-474. 6. Mateo, R., et al. (1987). Capillary column gas chromatographic identification of sugars in honey s trimethylsilyl derivatives. J. Chromatography, 410: 319. 7. Suzuki, M., et al. (2005). Selected ion monitoring determination of acetylcholine during methoxypyridoxine seizures. Biol. Mass. Spec., 7(11-12): 537-539.
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