ApartSIL C8 HS is a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column designed for reversed-phase chromatography, utilizing octyl (C8) chains bonded to silica particles. The "HS" in its name typically denotes "High Strength" or "High Stability," indicating a column with enhanced durability and performance characteristics, especially under demanding conditions. Below is a detailed overview of ApartSIL C8 HS:

1. General Characteristics

• Type:Reversed-phase HPLC column.
• Stationary Phase: Silica particles bonded with C8 (Octyl) groups.
• HS Designation: The "HS" likely stands for High Strength or High Stability, suggesting enhanced mechanical and chemical stability of the column, suitable for high-pressure applications and extended use.

2. Particle and Pore Characteristics

• Particle Size: Available in various particle sizes, such as 3µm, 5µm, or 10µm. Smaller particles generally offer higher resolution and efficiency.
• Pore Size:Typically around 100 Å (angstroms), which is suitable for separating small to moderately large molecules.
• Surface Area: High surface area due to the finely divided silica particles, enhancing the interaction between analytes and the stationary phase for improved separation.

3. Functional Groups and Bonding

• C8 Chains: The column features octyl (C8) chains chemically bonded to the silica particles, which provide a moderate level of hydrophobicity. This makes it suitable for a range of analytes, particularly those that are moderately non-polar.
• Bonding Technology: The octyl groups are bonded to the silica surface using a silanization process, which ensures the stability and reproducibility of the column.

4. Applications

• Pharmaceutical Analysis: Ideal for the analysis of pharmaceuticals, including active ingredients, impurities, and degradation products, especially those with moderate polarity.
• Environmental Testing: Suitable for the analysis of organic pollutants, pesticides, and other environmental contaminants.
• Food and Beverage Analysis: Used for testing food additives, contaminants, and other compounds in food and beverage products.
• Biochemical Analysis: Employed in the separation of peptides, proteins, and other biomolecules that exhibit moderate hydrophobicity.
• Clinical Research: Useful in the analysis of biological samples for drugs, metabolites, and other analytes.

5. Performance and Stability

• High Stability: The "HS" designation implies that this column is designed to withstand rigorous conditions, such as high pressure and prolonged use, without significant degradation of performance.
• Moderate Hydrophobicity: The column offers moderate hydrophobic interaction, making it suitable for compounds that are too polar for C18 columns but require some degree of non-polar interaction.
• Reproducibility: Provides consistent and reproducible results across multiple runs, which is crucial for method validation and routine analytical testing.
• High Efficiency: Offers sharp and well-resolved peaks, which is essential for accurate quantification and identification of analytes.

6. Operating Conditions

• pH Range: Typically stable across a wide pH range, often from 2 to 8, allowing flexibility in mobile phase selection.
• Temperature Range: Can operate effectively across a broad temperature range, usually up to 60-80°C, depending on the specific column.
• Mobile Phases: Compatible with various organic solvents, such as methanol and acetonitrile, as well as aqueous buffers, making it versatile for different applications.

7. Maintenance and Care

• Column Conditioning: Requires proper conditioning with recommended solvents before initial use to achieve optimal performance.
• Cleaning Protocols: Regular cleaning with appropriate solvents (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile) helps maintain performance by removing retained contaminants.
• Storage: Should be stored in a suitable solvent (like methanol or acetonitrile) when not in use to prevent the stationary phase from drying out and to avoid microbial growth.

8. Advantages of the C8 HS Phase

• Enhanced Stability: The "HS" feature means the column can withstand harsher conditions, such as higher pressures and extended runtimes, without loss of performance.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of moderately polar to non-polar compounds, making it a versatile tool in analytical labs.
• Improved Peak Shapes: Especially useful for analytes that may exhibit peak tailing on other columns, providing better peak shapes and resolution.

9. Variants and Customization

• Different Particle and Pore Sizes: Available in various configurations to suit specific analytical needs, including different particle sizes and pore sizes.
• Column Dimensions: Offered in different lengths (e.g., 50mm, 100mm, 150mm, 250mm) and internal diameters (e.g., 2.1mm, 4.6mm) to cater to various applications, from high-throughput analytical testing to preparative chromatography.

10. Technical Specifications

• Silica Support: Made from high-purity silica, which minimizes metal contamination that could interfere with analyte separation.
• Endcapping: Often endcapped to reduce the activity of residual silanol groups, improving peak shape, especially for basic compounds.
• Bonding Process: The octyl groups are bonded using advanced silanization techniques, ensuring consistent and stable performance even under demanding conditions.

11. Applications in Research and Industry

• Pharmaceutical Quality Control: Widely used in the quality control of pharmaceuticals, ensuring accurate separation and quantification of moderately polar active ingredients and impurities.
• Environmental Analysis: Effective for the trace analysis of organic pollutants in environmental samples, providing accurate and reliable results.
• Food Safety Testing: Plays a crucial role in the analysis of food products for contaminants, preservatives, and other additives, helping ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
• Chemical Manufacturing: Utilized in monitoring chemical processes and purification steps in industrial settings.
• Clinical and Biomedical Research: Facilitates the separation and identification of moderately polar biological molecules in research settings, contributing to advances in drug development and disease diagnosis.

12. Method Development

• Optimization Flexibility: The column’s moderate hydrophobicity and robustness allow for flexibility in method development, making it suitable for a wide range of analytes.
• Compatibility with Gradient Elution: Performs well under both gradient and isocratic elution conditions, providing versatility in method design.

13. Regulatory Compliance

• Pharmaceutical and Food Testing: Often used in methods that meet regulatory standards, such as those from USP, EP, or FDA, ensuring it can be employed in validated and compliant analytical procedures.

14. Manufacturers and Suppliers

• Availability: ApartSIL C8 HS columns are produced by various manufacturers specializing in chromatography products. Specifications might vary slightly depending on the source, so it’s recommended to consult the product datasheet for precise details.
• Technical Support: Manufacturers typically provide comprehensive technical support, including detailed user guides, troubleshooting advice, and method development assistance.

15. Comparative Advantages

• Durability: The HS feature gives this column an edge in terms of durability, making it suitable for high-throughput laboratories and applications requiring extended column life.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a balance of high performance and durability, potentially reducing the need for frequent column replacement and making it a cost-effective choice for routine analysis.

16. Moderate Hydrophobicity Benefits

• Purity: High-purity silica minimizes impurities that could interfere with the separation process, leading to more reliable and accurate results.
• Performance: Ensures high-performance characteristics, such as high efficiency, excellent peak shapes, and robust stability under various operating conditions.

In summary, ApartSIL C8 HS is a versatile and durable HPLC column designed for reversed-phase chromatography, offering moderate hydrophobicity with enhanced stability and durability. This column is ideal for a wide range of analytical applications, including pharmaceutical analysis, environmental testing, food safety, and biochemical research. Its high stability under demanding conditions makes it a reliable choice for laboratories requiring consistent performance and long column life.