Definition

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), is a method of separating a mixture of compounds based on their differing physical properties, such as polarity, charge and size. The compounds are partitioned between a liquid mobile phase and a bonded or stationary phase packed within a column.

HPLC Availability

The RSC has five full HPLC systems, two of which are for general use and the other three are maintained within individual research groups.

• System 1 (rm218) General Use
• System 2 (rm218) General Use
• System 3 (rm217)
• System 4 (rm210a)
• System 5 (242)

Systems 1-4 are computer operated to allow for better data collection and storage.

These HPLC systems allow students and staff to perform a wide range of procedures, including new method development, analysis of reaction mixtures and larger scale separation of products. There are also a large number of normal phase and reverse phase columns available in both analytical and preparative sizes. Depending on the system used, detection is accomplished using Ultraviolet Absorbtion (UV), Refractive Index (RI), or Flouresence.

All samples for HPLC should be pre-cleaned or at least filtered. The typical sizes of samples used for analysis are 0.1-1mg, where as semi-prep methods can handle from 10-100mg depending on the quality of separation.

Technicians are available to provide further assistance and training. For further information contact Tony Herlt