LC Walk-up System Using the Agilent 1200 Infinity Series LC Method Development Solution and Agilent MassHunter Walkup Software

Importance of the topic

The development of new chemical entities in drug discovery, pesticide synthesis, and dye manufacturing relies on rapid, high-information analytical methods. A walk-up LC/MS platform addresses the need for in-time reaction monitoring, product verification, and purity assessment by simplifying system access for multiple users and delivering results without specialized expertise.

Objectives and study overview

This application note demonstrates how the Agilent 1200 Infinity Series LC Method Development Solution, combined with MassHunter Walkup software, enables a single LC system to perform reaction kinetics studies, column scouting across up to eight columns, and impurity checks—while serving multiple user groups and projects through prioritized sample processing.

Methods and methodology

Under a superuser account, chromatographic, equilibration, and column-cleaning methods were predefined for each installed column. Users submit sample details via the Walkup interface, choose or adjust methods within allowed parameters, load vials into designated tray positions, and receive e-mail notifications upon completion. Analytical tasks included real-time reaction monitoring, MS identification of products and side-products, column scouting for preparative cleanup, and post-prep purity checks.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 1200 Infinity Series LC Method Development Solution
• Up to eight ZORBAX RRHT 1.8 μm columns (50–150 mm lengths)
• Agilent 1290 Infinity Quaternary Pump, Autosampler, Thermostat, and Thermostatted Column Compartments
• Method Development Valve Kit with low-dispersion switching
• Agilent 1290 Infinity Diode Array Detector
• Agilent 6140 Single Quadrupole LC/MS with multimode source
• OpenLAB CDS ChemStation vC.01.05 and MassHunter Walkup vC.01.00 software

Main results and discussion

Column scouting across four stationary phases identified SB-C18 as optimal for preparative cleanup based on peak resolution. Fast-kinetics methods tracked reaction progress at 30-minute intervals, showing complete product formation within 1.5 hours and highlighting minor side-products by MS scan. Purity assessments after fraction evaporation confirmed sample integrity. System priorities allowed urgent kinetics runs to preempt pre-scheduled analyses.

Benefits and practical applications

The walk-up LC/MS system democratizes access for novice and expert users alike, maintaining method consistency under centralized supervision. Multi-column and multi-solvent flexibility reduce method development time, while walk-up simplicity and automated reporting improve laboratory throughput and decision speed.

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging enhancements may include AI-driven method optimization, integration with high-resolution MS, cloud-based data sharing, and fully automated high-throughput workflows. IoT-enabled maintenance, remote instrument control, and expanded online databases will further streamline analytical operations.

Conclusion

Implementing the Agilent 1200 Infinity Series LC Method Development Solution with MassHunter Walkup software transforms synthesis laboratories by accelerating reaction monitoring, column scouting, and purity checks on a single system. This approach unifies diverse analytical tasks, supports multiple user groups, and enhances overall productivity in chemical research and development.