Equation for calculating surface coverage from end-capping of chromatographic bonded phases

An equation was derived to calculate the surface density of trimethylsilyl groups (alphaTMS) on bonded chromatographic stationary phases that have undergone primary as well as secondary ('end-capping') chemical modification. The new equation is an extension of that published by Berendsen-de Galan for calculating primary surface coverage and, likewise, alphaTMS is calculated in terms of the carbon content (% by weight) of the bonded material before and after end-capping, specific surface area of the starting silica and structural information (molecular weight and number of carbon atoms) of the anchored groups. The new equation is valuable when a thorough characterization of bonded stationary phases is desirable and, if used along with the Berendsen-de Galan equation, it affords total ligand coverage information. Application of the new equation to correct for measurable carbon content of the starting support leads to a more accurate expression for surface coverage from primary as well as secondary bonding. The scope and limitations of the new equation are discussed.