Fundamentals of HPLC Separations for Small Molecule Analyses

Join us for our 3-Part series to Meet our Experts and discuss topics including:

• History of HPLC column technology over the last 50 years and how advancements have helped address current separation challenges.
• Fundamentals of small molecule separations to enable you to develop methods more efficiently.
• Solvent and column choices with UPLC to develop more environmentally friendly chromatography methods

PART 2: Fundamentals of HPLC Separations for Small Molecule Analyses

The advantages of HPLC in the separation and measurement of small molecule analyses leads us to consider how chromatography works and how the technology can be adapted to our needs. Understanding chromatographic terms such as resolution (Rs), alpha (a), retention factor (k), and efficiency (N) and the operating conditions which affect them is key in developing successful separations. In this presentation the components of a simple HPLC system will be described and their function highlighted. Special focus will be placed on the HPLC column and the range of particle technologies available. This basic understanding and knowledge of chromatographic fundamentals will provide a solid first step in developing separations for small molecules analyses.

Presenter: Bonnie Alden (Principal Scientist, Research & Development, Waters Corporation)

Bonnie Alden joined Waters Corporation in 1982 to work with Dr. Patrick McDonald to develop new Sep-Pak Cartridge SPE devices. During her career, she has been a member of teams that brought transformative chromatographic columns to market. These include Symmetry Columns which set the industry standard in reproducibility, 1st hybrid chromatographic packing of XTerra Columns, 2nd generation Ethylene Bridged Hybrid (BEH) and Charged Surface Hybrid (CSH) technologies, as well as the recent development of modern, mixed-mode stationary phases for challenging analyses, such as the retention and separation of polar acids. More than 35 years later, she is still an enthusiastic student of liquid chromatography and separation science. Bonnie is currently a principal scientist in the Small Molecule Portfolio Team where her research interests have focused on developing products to address the needs of scientists in the extensive field of small molecule drug development.