Agilent ZORBAX Rapid Resolution High Definition SB-C8 Threaded Column

Significance of the Topic

The development of high efficiency UHPLC columns addresses the growing need for faster separations with improved resolution and reproducibility in pharmaceutical, environmental and bioanalytical laboratories. The ZORBAX RRHD SB-C8 stationary phase combines steric protection and stable chemistry to deliver consistent performance under a wide range of conditions.

Objectives and Study Overview

This data sheet describes the design, performance testing and operational guidelines for the Agilent ZORBAX RRHD SB-C8 column. It aims to highlight column characteristics, safety considerations, mobile phase selection, cleaning and storage protocols.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The column is a 2.1 x 50 mm, 1.8 µm C8 phase packed on a spherical, porous silica support using a high pressure slurry technique. Key attributes include StableBond diisopropyl n-octylsilane chemistry and reduced base compound adsorption. Performance was evaluated on an Agilent 1290 Infinity UHPLC at pressures up to 1200 bar with a 55/45 acetonitrile/water mobile phase at 0.55 mL/min.

Main Results and Discussion

Quality control testing demonstrates high efficiency (up to 60 000 plates) and symmetrical peak shapes for neutral, acidic and basic analytes. The phase remains stable at temperatures up to 80 °C and across pH 2–8. Its steric protection limits phase degradation under aggressive conditions such as low pH, high ionic strength or ion-pair reagents.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High resolution and speed for pharmaceutical impurity profiling and environmental screening.
• Compatibility with mass spectrometry due to low bleed and minimal analyte adsorption.
• Robust performance in a range of mobile phase compositions and temperatures.
• Extended column lifetime under demanding pH and solvent conditions.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

The growing adoption of UHPLC and high temperature separations will drive demand for even more robust stationary phases. Advances may include novel bonding chemistries for extreme pH and temperature, and hybrid materials to further reduce back pressure. Integration with automation and on-line sample preparation will broaden application scope.

Conclusion

Agilent ZORBAX RRHD SB-C8 columns deliver reliable, high-speed separations with excellent peak shape and long-term stability. They are suited for routine and challenging analyses in pharmaceutical, clinical and environmental laboratories.

Instrumental Section

• UHPLC system: Agilent 1290 Infinity LC
• Column: Agilent ZORBAX RRHD SB-C8 2.1 x 50 mm, 1.8 μm

References

• H.A. Claessens, M.A. van Straten, J.J. Kirkland, J Chromatogr A 728 (1996) 259