A polypodal silane compounds are provided for use as a bonded phase and which have embedded hydrophilicity. The compounds have at least two podal branches bonded via an ether linkage or alkoxy group to a hydrophilic group. Each podal branch has a silicon atom which is bonded to each podal branch through a Si—C bond and each of the podal branches is capable of bonding to a siliceous substrate through at least one hydrolyzable functional group capable of being displaced by a Si—O bond. Bonded phases using such compounds and substrates having such compounds bonded to their surface are also described, as well as a method for preparing a bonded phase.