Agilent HPLC and UHPLC Columns for Small Molecule Separations

Agilent HPLC and UHPLC columns for small molecule separations are precision-engineered liquid chromatography columns designed to deliver high resolution, reproducibility, and throughput in the analysis of small molecule compounds.

These columns are primarily used for the separation and quantitative analysis of pharmaceuticals, metabolites, food additives, and environmental contaminants. They are widely adopted in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring.

Explore our full range of reliable, high-performance columns optimized for small molecule separations — fully compatible with Agilent 1100, 1200, and 1260 LC systems, as well as other leading HPLC and UHPLC instruments.

Highlight of Agilent HPLC and UHPLC Columns for Small Molecule Separations

1. High Separation Efficiency and Reproducibility
Engineered with high-purity packing materials to deliver excellent resolution and peak shape for accurate quantitation and complex sample separation.

2. Broad Chemical Selectivity Options
Available in various bonded phases (e.g., C18, C8, Phenyl-Hexyl) to support the separation of polar, non-polar, neutral, and basic small molecules.

3. Excellent System Compatibility
Fully compatible with Agilent 1100, 1200, 1260 LC systems and other major HPLC and UHPLC instruments.

4. Superior Stability and Pressure Resistance
Offers outstanding chemical and mechanical stability, ensuring consistent performance under high flow rates and frequent injections — ideal for high-throughput labs.

5. Versatile Across Applications
Widely used in pharmaceutical R&D, bioanalysis, food safety testing, and environmental monitoring of small molecule compounds.

The Application Area of HPLC and UHPLC Columns (Small Molecule Separations)

1. Pharmaceutical Development and Quality Control
Used for analysis of APIs, intermediates, impurities, and final product consistency and purity.

2. Metabolite and Bioanalysis
Supports quantification of small-molecule metabolites in biological matrices like plasma and urine, ideal for pharmacokinetics studies.

3. Food Safety Testing
Applied in detecting preservatives, sweeteners, pesticide residues, and food additives in complex food samples.

4. Environmental Contaminant Monitoring
Enables detection of organic pollutants such as benzenes, phenols, and chlorinated compounds in water, soil, and air samples.

5. Chemical and Fine Chemical Analysis
Suitable for the quantification of small-molecule monomers, additives, and residual solvents in chemical manufacturing processes.

Column Series vs Application Mapping

FAQ – Choosing the Right Column

Q1: How do I choose the right HPLC/UHPLC column for my application?

Here are key factors to consider:

• Sample type and polarity: For non-polar compounds, C18 columns are ideal; for polar analytes, consider HILIC or CN phases.
• Need for high-throughput or fast separations: Use Poroshell 120 columns for high efficiency with lower backpressure.
• Mobile phase pH: For high-pH applications (above pH 8), choose ZORBAX SB or Extend-C18 columns for better chemical stability.
• Complex separations or isomers: Phenyl-Hexyl or Bonus-RP columns are suitable for separating aromatic or structurally similar compounds.

Q2: Can I use UHPLC columns on a standard HPLC system?

UHPLC columns typically use smaller particle sizes (e.g., 1.8 µm), which may exceed the pressure limits of conventional HPLC systems. For optimal performance and safety, match the column type to your instrument’s pressure capacity.

Q3: Which columns are compatible with Agilent 1100 or 1260 LC systems?

Most Agilent columns are compatible. Poroshell 120 and ZORBAX Eclipse Plus series are highly recommended for their performance and reliability on these platforms.