The column, packed with stationary phase particles, is where the separation of analytes occurs. Compounds are introduced into the column by an injector and carried through the column by the solvent (mobile phase), separating them by differential migration. There is a wide variety of HPLC column phases, with C18 reversed phase columns being the most widely used. 

C18 columns serve as highly effective HPLC columns, utilising a stationary phase composed of C18 material. These specialised columns find extensive application in environmental sciences, chemical analysis, pharmaceuticals, and other industries where the analysis of individual components within chemical mixtures is crucial.

C18 columns are available in various sizes, with or without end caps, featuring different particle and pore sizes, degrees of hydrophobicity, and the ability to separate acidic and/or basic components. This wide range of options allows for customisation based on specific analytical needs and target compounds.

Shimadzu offers a broad range of C18 columns such as polymeric bonded C18 columns, polar embedded C18 columns, organosilica hybrid C18 columns, core-shell C18 columns, and more to address different challenges you may encounter in your applications. Our advanced HPLC and UHPLC columns are designed to exceed the requirements of modern analytical techniques, including fast U/HPLC, LC-MS, and biopolymer separations. These columns are optimised to deliver exceptional performance and reliability, meeting the stringent standards of regulated pharmacopoeia and agency methods.

Understanding the Types of Reversed Phase HPLC Columns

Reversed phase HPLC columns are columns that have a non-polar stationary phase and are typically used with a polar mobile phase. There are multiple types of reversed phase columns, some of these include C18 (ODS), C8, C4, C1, phenyl, phenyl-hexyl, biphenyl, and pentafluorophenyl propyl (PFPP). Among the different types of reversed phase columns, the C18 columns are the most commonly used as they offer sufficient hydrophobic interaction to retain most organic molecules. A C18 column is typically packed with silica particles bonded on the surface with linear chain C18 groups. However, it is crucial to note that not all C18 columns are the same. They can differ in silica particle type, particle pore size, particle surface area, carbon loading, end-capping and bonding technology which can result in very different separation profiles for the same mixture of compounds. Understanding the specific properties of the compounds to be analysed through C18 columns allows for the selection of the most suitable option.

Application of C18 Columns

Reversed-phase C18 HPLC columns have wide-ranging applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and natural product analysis.

In the pharmaceutical industry, C18 columns are indispensable for the analysis of drug substances, formulations, and pharmacokinetic studies. Their selectivity allows for the separation and quantification of diverse pharmaceutical compounds, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With the ability to resolve closely related compounds, including impurities and degradation products, C18 columns play a vital role in drug development, quality control, and stability testing.

Environmental monitoring involves the identification and quantification of organic contaminants in water, soil, and air samples. Reversed phase C18 columns facilitate the analysis of environmental pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. Leveraging the selectivity of C18 columns, these contaminants can be accurately detected and quantified even at trace levels. This analytical capability aids in environmental risk assessment and the formulation of appropriate mitigation strategies.

In the realm of natural product analysis, C18 columns are instrumental in studying plant extracts, herbal medicines, and essential oils. Natural products often contain a wide array of compounds with diverse polarities, posing challenges in their separation and characterisation. C18 columns excel in separating complex mixtures based on hydrophobic interactions, enabling the identification and quantification of individual components in natural products. This analytical capability contributes to quality control, standardisation, and the exploration of potential therapeutic applications.

C18 Columns for Precision & Accuracy

When it comes to achieving precision and accuracy in analytical separations, Shimadzu's C18 reversed phase columns are the epitome of excellence. These columns are specifically designed to deliver exceptional performance, ensuring reliable and reproducible results in a wide range of applications. 

1. Excellent Reproducibility

Our C18 columns exhibit outstanding reproducibility, allowing for consistent and reliable results across multiple runs. This exceptional reproducibility is crucial for method validation and quality control, providing the confidence needed in analytical outcomes. 

2. Column Stability

Our C18 columns are also built with utmost durability and stability, maintaining peak performance even under demanding conditions. The columns are designed to withstand high pressures and maintain consistent separation efficiency, ensuring longevity and reliability in chromatographic analyses. 

3. Wide Range of Particle and Pore Sizes

We offer a diverse selection of C18 columns with varying particle sizes and pore structures to meet the specific needs of different applications. This flexibility allows for optimised separations, improved resolution, and enhanced sensitivity, accommodating a wide range of sample complexities.

4. Excellent Peak Shape and Resolution

Our C18 columns are engineered to deliver exceptional peak shapes, providing sharp and well-defined chromatographic peaks. This attribute is crucial for accurate quantification and reliable identification of target compounds, ensuring precise and reliable analytical results. 

5. Compatibility with a Variety of Analytical Methods

Our C18 columns exhibit exceptional versatility and compatibility, enabling seamless integration with a wide range of analytical methods. Whether you are performing HPLC, UHPLC, LC-MS, or other techniques, our C18 columns deliver consistent and reliable separations, supporting diverse analytical workflows.

Get C18 Columns in Singapore from Shimadzu

Finding a C18 column that is right for your application is important to ensure good sample separation and peak resolution. At Shimadzu, we provide a wide selection of reversed phase C18 HPLC columns to cater to your application needs. Shimadzu HPLC columns are manufactured and tested individually to ensure superior quality and inertness, giving you high precision in analysis and increased column durability. In addition, a highly reproducible symmetrical peak shape can be achieved even when analysing strong ionic compounds and difficult to absorb samples. Shimadzu also offers suitable C18 columns for the analysis of highly polar compounds under 100% aqueous mobile phase, with excellent retentivity.

For other C18 columns selection, feel free to contact us. Alternatively, browse our range of HPLC columns and laboratory consumables at ShopShimadzu, and register for an account to purchase our products online.

Frequently Asked Questions About C18 Columns in Singapore

1. What is a C18 column?

The C18 column, also called Octadecylsilyl (ODS) column, is one of the most widely used reversed phase columns. C18 columns are packed with particles bonded with linear chain C18 groups. The C18 groups provide hydrophobic interaction with the analytes, allowing the separation of compounds based on differences in hydrophobicity. At Shimadzu, we carry an extensive selection of C18 columns that meet your HPLC analysis requirements.

2. Can I use 100% aqueous mobile phase on the C18 column?

Not all C18 columns are stable to 100% aqueous mobile phase condition. Using a 100% aqueous mobile phase on a C18 column that cannot withstand such conditions will result in a phenomenon called phase collapse that damages the column. Some of Shimadzu’s C18 columns that are compatible with 100% aqueous conditions are Shim-pack Scepter C18, Shim-pack GIST C18-AQ, Shim-pack GIS RP-Shield and Shim-pack GISS C18.