ApartSIL C18 ODS is a type of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column
designed for reversed-phase chromatography. The "C18" indicates that the stationary phase is
functionalized with octadecylsilane (ODS), which is one of the most common and versatile
phases used in reversed-phase HPLC. Here’s a detailed overview of ApartSIL C18 ODS:
1. General Characteristics
Type: Reversed-phase HPLC column.
Stationary Phase: Silica particles bonded with C18 (Octadecyl) chains.
ODS (Octadecylsilane): The term "ODS" is synonymous with C18 and refers to the
bonding of 18 carbon alkyl chains to the silica surface.
Particle Size: Commonly available in particle sizes like 3µm, 5µm, which affect the
column's efficiency and backpressure.
Pore Size: Typically around 100 Å (angstroms), which allows the separation of a
wide range of molecular sizes.
Surface Area: High surface area for increased interaction between the analytes and
the stationary phase.
2. Functional Groups
C18 Chains: The C18 chains provide strong hydrophobic interactions, making this
column ideal for separating non-polar and moderately polar compounds.
3. Applications
Pharmaceutical Analysis: Widely used for the analysis of drug compounds,
impurities, and excipients in pharmaceutical products.
Environmental Testing: Utilized for analyzing organic pollutants, pesticides, and
contaminants in environmental samples like water, soil, and air.
Food and Beverage Testing: Applied in the separation and quantification of
additives, contaminants, and nutritional components in food products.
Biochemical Analysis: Effective for separating peptides, proteins, and other
biological molecules.
Metabolomics and Proteomics: Used in the analysis of complex biological samples,
including the identification of metabolites and proteins.
4. Operating Conditions
pH Range: Generally stable across a pH range of 2 to 8, allowing for the use of
various mobile phases.
Temperature Range: Operates effectively from ambient temperatures up to around
60-80°C, depending on specific column design and manufacturer recommendations.
Mobile Phases: Compatible with a broad range of organic solvents such as methanol,
acetonitrile, and aqueous buffers, often used in gradient or isocratic conditions.
5. Performance
High Efficiency: The column provides high efficiency, resulting in sharp and well-
resolved peaks, essential for accurate quantification and identification of compounds.
Selectivity: Offers excellent selectivity for hydrophobic and moderately hydrophilic
compounds.
Load Capacity: Suitable for both analytical and preparative separations, depending
on column dimensions and particle size.
6. Column Care and Maintenance
Conditioning: The column should be properly conditioned with the appropriate
solvents before initial use to ensure optimal performance.
Cleaning: Regular cleaning with strong solvents (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile) may be
necessary to remove strongly retained contaminants.
Storage: When not in use, the column should be stored in a solvent such as methanol
or acetonitrile to prevent the stationary phase from drying out and to avoid microbial
growth.
7. Variants and Customization
Different Pore Sizes and Particle Sizes: ApartSIL C18 ODS columns may come in
various pore and particle sizes to cater to specific analytical needs, offering flexibility
depending on the nature of the analytes.
Column Dimensions: Available in different lengths (e.g., 50mm, 100mm, 150mm,
250mm) and internal diameters (e.g., 2.1mm, 4.6mm) to suit specific application
requirements.
8. Technical Specifications
Silica Support: High-purity silica is used as the support material, ensuring low levels
of metal contaminants that could interfere with the separation process.
Bonding Technology: The C18 chains are typically bonded using advanced
silanization techniques to ensure stability and reproducibility.
Endcapping: Many C18 ODS columns are endcapped to cover any remaining active
silanol groups, reducing peak tailing and improving peak symmetry, especially for
basic compounds.
9. Applications in Research and Industry
Pharmaceutical Quality Control: For the quantification and analysis of active
pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and impurities.
Environmental Analysis: Detection and quantification of trace organic pollutants.
Food Safety Testing: Identification and quantification of contaminants,
preservatives, and additives.
Clinical Research: Analysis of biological samples, such as blood or urine, for
biomarkers, drugs, and metabolites.
Chemical Manufacturing: Monitoring of chemical reactions and purification
processes.
10. Manufacturers and Suppliers
Availability: ApartSIL C18 ODS columns are available from various manufacturers
specializing in chromatography products. The exact specifications and performance
may vary slightly depending on the supplier, so it is recommended to consult product
datasheets for detailed information.
Support: Manufacturers typically provide technical support and documentation,
including detailed user guides, to assist in method development and troubleshooting.
11. Method Development
Optimization: When using an ApartSIL C18 ODS column, method development may
involve optimizing parameters such as the mobile phase composition, flow rate,
temperature, and gradient profile to achieve the desired separation.
Compatibility: The column's robustness allows it to be used in a wide variety of
analytical methods, including both gradient and isocratic elution.
12. Regulatory Compliance
Pharmaceutical and Food Testing: Often used in methods that are compliant with
regulatory guidelines such as USP, EP, and FDA, making it a reliable choice for
validated analytical procedures.
Overall, ApartSIL C18 ODS columns are highly regarded for their versatility, reliability, and
performance across a broad range of analytical applications. Whether in pharmaceutical
research, environmental analysis, or food safety testing, these columns provide the high
resolution and reproducibility needed for accurate and efficient chromatography.