Coupling of m-aminophenyl boronate to the TSKgel 5PW polymeric support results in a ligand capable of forming a tetrahedral boronate anion under alkaline pH conditions. This anionic structure can bind with 1,2 cis-diol groups such as those found in carbohydrates, carbohydrate containing compounds and catecholamines. Interaction between the boronate anion and the 1,2 cis-diol groups is enhanced in the presence of Mg²⁺ ions and is inhibited by amine-containing buffers. Adsorption onto the TSKgel Boronate-5PW matrix takes place in basic buffers such as HEPES and morpholine while desorption takes place in carbohydrate or amine-containing mobile phase like sorbitol or Tris. 

Applications include: nucleic acids, catecholamines, nucleosides and nucleotides.