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The ability to reliably perform the high-separation, high-sensitivity detection of trace compounds is required. Improving separation performance by simply increasing the column length also increases the analysis time, which reduces analysis efficiency.
With the Prominence UFLC, high-speed analysis was possible while maintaining a high degree of analysis accuracy and reliability. The Prominence UFLCXR offers greater separation performance. In order to achieve the ultimate in high separation performance, column efficiency has been improved by optimizing the balance between the particle diameter of the XR-ODS high-speed separation column and the column length, and the system has been optimized (pressure resistance: 66 MPa) to attain the highest possible level of column performance.
The results obtained in the analysis of seven alkylphenones are shown below. The Prominence UFLCXR demonstrated a level of separation performance equivalent to that of at least a 250-mm (5-µm) column. The analysis time was a quarter of that required by a general-purpose LC, indicating that both high separation performance and high speed were achieved.
The combination of the Prominence UFLCXR and a Shim-pack XR-ODS II column (length: 150 mm) achieves a level of separation performance equivalent to that of at least a 250-mm column containing packing material with a particle diameter of 5 µm. The wide dynamic range of the SPD-20A detector enables the high-separation, high-sensitivity detection of fine peaks, such as those obtained for minute quantities of impurities in pharmaceuticals, and thereby enables highly reliable analysis in which the slightest presence of impurities is not missed. Also, the low-carryover SIL-20AXR autosampler supports high-accuracy analysis.
The results obtained in the analysis of a minute quantity of an impurity in cefazolin are shown below. This impurity was sufficiently separated from other impurities, and although its peak was only one thousandth the height of the peak obtained for the main component, the wide dynamic range ensured that it was detected properly.
Column: Shim-pack XR-ODS II (150 mm (L) x 3 mm (i.d.))
Column temperature: 40 °C
Mobile phase: Phosphate buffer solution / acetonitrile, gradient elution
Flow rate: 0.9 mL/min
Detection: 245 nm
In general, the aldehydes and ketones found in indoor locations and the atmosphere are subjected to HPLC analysis with pre-column derivatization performed using 2,4-DNPH (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine) reagent. In this case, 13 aldehydes and ketones were analyzed with the Prominence UFLCXR. In comparison with general-purpose LC, relatively high speed and separation performance were attained. Also, separation was achieved in roughly the same analysis time required for the high-speed Prominence UFLC with greater reliability.
Mobile phases: A: Water/tetrahydrofuran, B: Acetonitrile, gradient elution
Column temperature: 40°C
Flow rate: 1.0 mL/min
Detection: 360 nm