HPLC Columns

HPLC Columns

Create exceptional chromatography and achieve repeatable results with Waters high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns.

Create exceptional chromatography and achieve repeatable results with Waters high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns.
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Resolve your toughest separation challenges with Waters analytical and preparative HPLC columns, which come in 5,800+ column formats, 175+ column configurations, and 21 unique column phases — for excellent performance and column-to-column reproducibility.

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HPLC Columns

Waters offers advanced high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns designed to provide exceptional chromatography, guaranteeing consistent and reproducible results. Available in reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) variants, these columns cater to different compound types.

Reversed phase columns excel in separating nonpolar or hydrophobic compounds, utilizing a hydrophobic stationary phase that interacts based on hydrophobicity. This interaction enables precise separation of molecules with varying hydrophobic characteristics, resulting in well-resolved chromatograms and accurate quantification.

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) columns are tailored for polar and hydrophilic compounds, employing a hydrophilic stationary phase to retain and separate these analytes. This is achieved by exploiting interactions between their hydrophilic functional groups and the stationary phase. This approach is particularly useful for compounds not retained well on conventional reversed phase columns.

Waters' columns incorporate advanced materials and technologies, ensuring precision, reliability, and reproducibility in chromatography. Engineered for consistent performance across diverse analyses, these columns instill confidence in researchers, yielding accurate and repeatable outcomes across applications such as pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food and beverages.

Address challenging separations using Waters' analytical and preparative HPLC columns, available in over 5,800 column formats, 175 configurations, and 21 phases. Achieve exceptional performance and reproducibility across columns.

FAQs about HPLC Columns

How do I select the right HPLC column for my application?

Selecting the right HPLC column involves considering the chemical properties of your analytes, such as molecular weight, polarity, and pKa. Choose a stationary phase that complements your analytes; for example, Waters offers various phases like C18, C8, and phenyl. Smaller particle sizes (e.g., sub-2 µm) provide higher resolution and efficiency but require higher pressures. Pore size should match your analytes, with larger pores for proteins and smaller pores for small molecules. Also, consider column dimensions based on your separation needs and ensure compatibility with your HPLC system and solvents.

What is the difference between UPLC and HPLC columns?

UPLC (Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography) columns use sub-2 µm particles, while HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) columns use particles that are 3 µm or larger. UPLC columns offer higher resolution, sensitivity, and speed due to the smaller particle size and can operate at much higher pressures (up to 15,000 psi) compared to HPLC systems (up to 6,000 psi). This results in sharper peaks and better separation efficiency.

How do Waters' BEH C18 columns differ from other C18 columns?

Waters' BEH (Ethylene Bridged Hybrid) C18 columns offer exceptional chemical stability, operating under a wide pH range (typically pH 1-12). The BEH technology enhances durability, providing longer column lifetimes and consistent performance under harsh conditions. These columns deliver superior peak shapes, resolution, and sensitivity, especially in UPLC applications. BEH C18 columns are versatile and suitable for small molecule analysis, peptide mapping, and protein separations, with optimized particle design ensuring high efficiency and reproducibility.