Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD HPLC Columns - Phase Overview

Importance of the Topic

Selecting the right HPLC column is essential for achieving high efficiency, reproducibility and robustness in liquid chromatography methods. Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD columns address the demanding requirements of modern separations by combining advanced silica bonding, low silanol activity and stringent quality control to deliver sharp peak shapes and consistent performance across diverse chemistries and formats.

Objectives and Overview

This document provides an overview of the design, performance characteristics and maintenance recommendations for the Hypersil GOLD family of HPLC columns. It highlights phase chemistries, particle properties, stability limits and key operational guidelines to help chromatographers optimize separations in reversed phase, normal phase, ion exchange and HILIC applications.

Instrument Configuration and Products

The Hypersil GOLD portfolio includes 12 bonded phases: C18, C8, C4, polar endcapped aQ, perfluorinated PFP, phenyl, cyano, amino, anion exchange AX, quaternary amine SAX, bare silica and HILIC. Columns are offered in 1.9, 3, 5 and 12 µm particle sizes, compatible with UHPLC, conventional HPLC and preparative systems. Carbon loads range from 2 to 12 percent, operating pH spans 2 to 11 and maximum temperature stability reaches 60 C. Backpressure ratings up to 1250 bar support high flow rates in ultra high performance applications.

Methodology and Production Quality

Hypersil GOLD silica is manufactured, bonded and packed under ISO 9001 protocols using controlled procedures and extensive testing. The uniform surface treatment minimizes free silanols and secondary interactions, ensuring reproducible retention, peak shape and column lifetime across production batches.

Main Features and Discussion

• Reversed Phase Performance – C18 phases deliver outstanding peak symmetry, while shorter chain phases C8 and C4 reduce retention for fast analyses.
• Aqueous Compatibility – The aQ phase remains stable in 100 percent aqueous mobile phases, enhancing retention and resolution of polar compounds.
• Alternative Selectivity – PFP and phenyl phases improve pi-pi interactions for aromatic analytes, offering orthogonal retention characteristics.
• Mixed Mode and Ion Exchange – CN and amino phases support multiple separation modes; AX and SAX phases separate charged species such as peptides and small polar organics.
• HILIC Separations – Dedicated HILIC phase enhances retention of highly polar and hydrophilic analytes that are challenging in reversed phase.

Recommended operating flow rates range from 0.05 to 2.5 mL per minute with injection volumes scaled to column ID. Preparative columns enable higher flow and larger sample loads, with backpressure limits adapted to particle size.

Practical Benefits and Applications

The Hypersil GOLD series supports a wide array of analytical tasks including small molecule quantitation, peptide mapping, carbohydrate profiling and preparative purification. Consistent column performance simplifies method development, transfer between UHPLC and HPLC systems and long term operation. Established cleaning protocols and compatible shipping solvents help maintain optimal column integrity over extended use.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in sub 2 micron UHPLC columns will continue to drive faster, higher resolution separations. Integration with mass spectrometry platforms and microfluidic systems will expand application scope. Development of novel mixed mode and hybrid surface chemistries may further diversify selectivity options. Automated cleaning and monitoring technologies could enhance throughput in high capacity laboratories.

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD HPLC columns combine high purity bonding, robust particle structures and a comprehensive range of chemistries to deliver reproducible, high performance separations. Their versatility across reversed phase, normal phase, ion exchange and HILIC modes makes them a valuable tool for analytical, research and preparative workflows.