Halogen-Bonding Stationary Phase for Lewis Base Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chromatographic separation methods lack an effective mechanism to separate halogen-containing molecules and Lewis Base molecules, limiting the diversity and efficiency of separation processes.

Innovation Solution

A stationary phase is developed with functional groups comprising a halogen-substituted aromatic ring that enables halogen bonding, allowing for the separation of target molecules based on their interaction with the stationary phase, including the separation of proteins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional chromatographic separation methods are used, then separation of target molecules can be achieved, but the versatility and efficiency for separating Lewis Base molecules is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation versatilityVSAvoidseparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new interaction parameter (halogen bonding) to the chromatographic separation system by incorporating halogen-substituted aromatic rings into the stationary phase. This changes the chemical interaction parameters between the stationary phase and target molecules, enabling effective separation of Lewis Base molecules that cannot be adequately separated by conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary phase is designed as a composite material combining aromatic rings with halogen substituents (Cl, Br, or I) attached to a solid support matrix. This composite structure provides both the structural framework of the solid support and the specific halogen bonding functionality of the aromatic halogen compounds, creating a material with enhanced separation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If halogen bonding interactions are introduced to separate Lewis Base molecules, then separation versatility is improved, but the complexity of the stationary phase structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular recognition capabilityVSAvoidstationary phase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The halogen-substituted aromatic stationary phase provides multiple interaction mechanisms simultaneously: halogen bonding for Lewis Base recognition, pi-pi interactions through the aromatic rings, and hydrophobic interactions through the solid support matrix. This multi-functionality achieves high molecular recognition capability without requiring multiple separate stationary phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary phase incorporates halogen-substituted aromatic groups at specific locations on the solid support surface, creating localized regions of high electron density and polarizability. These local sites provide specific halogen bonding functionality while the rest of the stationary phase maintains its structural integrity and provides additional interaction modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The stationary phase provides an additional degree of freedom for chromatographic separation, enabling effective separation of a broad variety of target molecules, including proteins, through halogen bonding interactions.

Implementation Method 1

Halogen bonding refers to the non-covalent interactions of halogen atoms X in some molecules, RX (Lewis Acids), with negative sites, such as the lone pair electrons of a Lewis base, on others

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHalogen bonding:

Data Source

PatentUS12629612B2Material and method for performing a separation based on halogen bonding
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • US12629612B2 patent drawing
  • US12629612B2 patent drawing
  • US12629612B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention relates to a new stationary phase carrying functional groups comprising a halogen substituted aromatic ring. Target molecules can interact with this stationary phase by halogen bonding. The stationary phase is suitable for SPE or chromatographic separations.