Diol modified silica gel layers offer a moderately polar stationary phase, less polar than native silica gel. They offer different selectivity than silica in a normal phase environment and can be used in reversed phase separations due to the organic function group surface modification. Surface modification also reduces the sensitivity to water in normal phase chromatography offering better reproducibility.
Based on a 60 Angstrom silica gel the carbon content is approximately 5%. Abrasion resistant binder results in a hard surface that is compatible with both 100% water as well as organic solvents. Layers include an acid resistant pale blue UV254 fluorescent indicator.