One-step synthesis of an organic–inorganic hybrid boronate affinity monolithic column with synergistic co-monomers

An organic-inorganic hybrid and synergistic boronate affinity (BA) monolithic column was synthesized by a novel "one-step" approach. We report on the synthesis of a unique organic-inorganic hybrid affinity monolith by using TEOS, the organic silane, N-(β-aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AEAPTES) and γ-MAPS as the co-precursors, 4-vinylphenylboronic acid as the functionalized monomer, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. Due to the presence of amino groups in the AEAPTES molecule, the prepared monolith exhibits several attractive properties. The monolith will be more hydrophilic and can bind with cis-diol compounds at neutral pH by a mechanism of intermolecular B-N coordination. The resulting hybrid boronate affinity monoliths have potential applications in specific recognition and enrichment of cis-diol biomolecules under neutral conditions.