Hamilton PRP-X300 columns offer an easy, rapid way to separate closely related alcohols and organic acids. The sulfonated poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) support separates samples via a mixed mode mechanism. Separation on the PRP-X300 is accomplished by three modes:

• Hydrogen Bonding—The attraction and retention of sample compounds by the negatively charged sulfonate group.

• Reversed-Phase—The interaction and retention of the sample compounds by the non-polar polymeric support.

• Ion Exclusion—The process in which ionized samples are excluded from the pores of the support and elute first, while the weakly ionized and nonionic compounds elute later.

Reversed Phase Columns

Anion Exchange Columns

Cation Exchange Columns

Ion Exclusion Columns

*PSDVB is Poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)
**pH 1-7.9 Temp. 5-60 °C; pH 8-13 Temp. 5-30 °C

An HPLC column has a finite lifetime.  It is recommended that you routinely monitor a column's retention characteristic and performance using standards.  If you plan to store the column for a prolonged period of time, use a mobile phase that inhibits microbial growth (a mobile phase containing sodium azide or high concentrations of methanol, acetonitrile, etc.).  For optimum performance and column life, follow these recommendations.

1. Routinely monitor the column's performance.
2. Switch only between miscible mobile phases.
3. Avoid precipitating salts in the column.
4. Use filtered and degassed mobile phases.
5. Do not allow the column to dry out. Keep it tightly capped when not in use.
6. For prolonged storage, use a mobile phase that inhibits bacterial and mold growth.
7. Use the column in the direction indicated on the label. An unusually high operating pressure may indicate a plugged inlet frit and may be cleared by reversing flow through the column for 10-20 mL.
8. Use Hamilton guard columns to remove particulate matter or impurities that may permanently bind to the analytical column.

Restoring Column Performance
The procedures listed below may restore the performance of a column that has become fouled, but the procedures will not improve the performance of a column that is damaged or beyond its useful life. Nor can all stationary phases be restored. The unique supports in PRP-X500 and PRP-X600 columns make it impossible to restore performance with a washing procedure. For technical assistance regarding these columns, please Contact HPLC Support. NOTE: Before performing a restoration procedure, always make sure that the mobile phases are miscible and that precipitation will not occur. If necessary, wash the column with a suitable intermediate solvent before changing over to the new mobile phase. A minimum of five column volumes of intermediate solvent should be used.

Column Restoration Procedures
Follow the appropriate restoration procedure listed below using a flow rate of 1.0 or 2.0 mL/min. unless otherwise specified. Evaluate column performance using the test mix and conditions listed on the Performance Test Report shipped with each column.

Column Restoration Procedures