Agilent InfinityLab solvents for HPLC and LC/MS

Significance of the topic

High-purity solvents are the foundation of reliable HPLC, UHPLC and LC/MS analyses. Contaminants such as trace ions, organic impurities or particulates can generate ghost peaks, reduce sensitivity and shorten column life. By selecting rigorously tested, pre-filtered mobile phase components, laboratories can minimize downtime, ensure reproducible separations and improve overall data quality.

Objectives and study overview

This application note presents the design, testing and performance benchmarks of Agilent InfinityLab gradient-grade solvents optimized for both analytical HPLC/UHPLC and LC/MS workflows. It aims to demonstrate how co-design with MilliporeSigma yields solvent portfolios that integrate seamlessly with Agilent’s Infinity instrumentation and Poroshell column chemistries.

Methodology and instrumentation

The study evaluated three gradient-grade solvents (methanol, acetonitrile, water) for HPLC/UHPLC and LC/MS-grade variants of each. Key analytical setups included:

• Agilent InfinityLab UHPLC system with Poroshell 120 EC-C18 columns (2.1×100 mm, 2.7 µm or 1.9 µm particles)
• Diode array detection at multiple UV wavelengths (190–400 nm, 10 Hz acquisition)
• ESI-MS analyses in positive and negative modes (m/z 100–1700)
• Gradient protocols spanning 5–95 % organic over 9 minutes at 0.5 mL/min and 40 °C
• Purity checks by GC, identity confirmation by infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence assays (quinine standard)

Main results and discussion

Gradient overlays at 210–280 nm showed very low baseline absorbance (<0.1 AU) and minimal ghost peaks, confirming solvent suitability for high-sensitivity separations. MS total ion chromatograms in both modes exhibited negligible background noise, highlighting the efficacy of 0.2 µm pre-filtration and rigorous trace metal control. Lot-to-lot reproducibility met tight specifications (<2 mAU gradient drift), and evaporation residue remained below 2.5 ppm for organic solvents.

Benefits and practical applications

Adoption of InfinityLab solvents delivers multiple operational advantages:

• Extended column and capillary lifetime, reducing replacement costs
• Consistent retention times and selectivity across analyses, supporting method robustness
• Low impurity profiles that prevent ghost peak artifacts in gradient runs
• Seamless integration with Agilent systems for faster method setup and validation
• Amber-glass packaging that preserves solvent integrity and reduces photodegradation

Future trends and potential applications

Next-generation chromatographic workflows will emphasize greener solvent combinations, automated solvent management and further miniaturization. Integration with online degassing, smart solvent tracking and predictive maintenance will enhance reproducibility. Adaptation of these high-purity mobile phases to novel stationary phases and multidimensional separations offers opportunities for advanced bioanalysis, impurity profiling and high-throughput screening.

Conclusion

Agilent InfinityLab gradient-grade solvents, co-developed with MilliporeSigma, provide the high chemical purity, reproducibility and compatibility required for modern HPLC, UHPLC and LC/MS applications. Their rigorous quality controls and packaging ensure reliable performance, enabling laboratories to focus on analytical challenges rather than solvent variability.

Reference

Agilent Technologies Application Note: InfinityLab Solvents for HPLC and LC/MS, April 2024.