ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 Column, 100Å, 1.8 µm, 2.1 mm X 150 mm, 1/pk

UPLC pressures call for a mechanically tolerant, silica-based material. Waters created the High Strength Silica (HSS) particle to meet these needs, using an innovative synthetic process that significantly increases the mechanical stability of silica while also maintaining pore volumes similar to silica-based alternatives. The HSS particle is a novel particle technology that offers increased retention when compared to hybrid particles, while also serving as the ideal substrate for the creation of stationary phases that provide alternate selectivity. The ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 column offers these benefits using an ultra-performance and general-purpose C18 bonded phase.

The HSS particle was designed to provide silica-like selectivities and retention, with a 1.8 µm particle to complement the 1.7 µm BEH particle, as a response to customer feedback for a need for columns that provide alternate or complementary selectivities. ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 stationary phases feature a trifunctionally bonded C18 ligand and proprietary end-capping process that prevents acid hydrolysis, allowing for excellent performance under highly acidic conditions.

ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 columns offer a fully end-capped, ultra-performance bonded phase which provides superior peak shape for bases in addition to increased retention when compared with ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 columns. The column also exhibits superior lifetimes under acidic conditions, which can be extended further through the use of the ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 VanGuard Pre-column, 100Å, 1.8 µm, 2.1 mm X 5 mm, 3/pk.

ACQUITY HSS packing materials are designed specifically for use with the ACQUITY UPLC system and corresponding lab equipment. In order to maintain these specifications, all products are made in a cGMP, ISO 9001:2000 certified plant using ultrapure reagents and extensive chromatographic testing.

FAQs About ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 Column, 100Å, 1.8 µm, 2.1 mm X 150 mm, 1/pk

1. What is the optimal mobile phase for this column?
The optimal mobile phase for an ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 column will vary based on the specific analytes being separated. The ideal mobile phase composition should be determined during method development, with considerations such as analyte polarity, desired retention times, and peak symmetry in mind. High-purity solvents are recommended, and it’s important to degas the mobile phase to remove dissolved gases, which can otherwise cause baseline noise and peak distortion. Filtering the mobile phase is also crucial to prevent particulate matter from clogging the column and impacting performance.

2. How does the HSS technology improve chromatographic performance?
HSS (High-Strength Silica) technology offers multiple advantages for enhanced chromatographic performance. The high efficiency of HSS columns results from their uniquely spherical particle shape and narrow particle size distribution, which create sharp peak shapes and facilitate faster analyses without compromising resolution. The low surface area of HSS particles minimizes analyte adsorption, leading to greater sensitivity and lower detection limits. Mechanically stable, HSS particles ensure long-lasting, consistent performance over time, and their wide pH range makes these columns adaptable to a variety of applications. By combining high efficiency, sensitivity, stability, and a broad pH range, HSS technology enables rapid, high-resolution separations with reliable, reproducible results.

3. How can I store the column to maximize its lifespan?
Proper storage of the ACQUITY UPLC HSS C18 column is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. To start, keep the column in a clean, dry, and dust-free environment, ideally at room temperature, to avoid temperature extremes. To prevent the stationary phase from drying out, store the column with inlet and outlet fittings capped and filled with a suitable storage solvent, such as methanol or acetonitrile. Ensure it’s kept away from direct sunlight, which could degrade the stationary phase, and avoid physical shocks or vibrations that may damage the column.