Kinetex Core-Shell Shell C8 HPLC Columns

The Kinetex core-shell C8 provides the same Kinetex performance but with a little less hydrophobic retention in comparison to the Kinetex C18 column. This C8 column is ideal for extremely hydrophobic compounds that might be too strongly retained on a traditional C18 phase column.

What Makes Kinetex C8 Special?

As part of the broader Kinetex HPLC Column family, Kinetex C8 HPLC column combines innovative core-shell particle technology with C8 chemistry to deliver high efficiency, excellent selectivity, and reliable durability. It balances retention strength with speed, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. ,

Retention and Selectivity
The C8 column provides balanced retention, ideal for extremely hydrophobic compounds that might be retained too strongly with the C18 phase column. It ensures improved peak shape, reproducibility, and resolution compared to traditional fully porous columns.

Efficiency
The core-shell design enhances mass transfer, reducing band broadening and delivering sharper peaks and higher sensitivity. It gives you similar performance as a smaller particle column but with a much lower backpressure.

Faster Analysis
Less surface area because of the solid core in the middle allows shorter run times without compromising separation quality, improving lab throughput.

Versatility and Durability
Suitable for pharmaceutical, environmental, and food analysis, the column resists solvent degradation and ensures long-term stability.

Proper care of the Kinetex C8 column extends its life and preserves performance. Follow these best practices from the Kinetex care guide:

• Conditioning: Flush before first use with 10 column volumes of 50:50 acetonitrile/water. If MeOH is used as an organic mobile phase, flush with 100% MeOH for 10 column volumes and then reduce organic ratio to initial mobile phase.
• Flow Rate: Stay within recommended flow rates to avoid overpressure and keep decent column efficiency.
• Flushing Protocols: For very hydrophobic contaminants, wash with isopropanol (IPA) or tetrahydrofuran (THF) as per guidelines.
• Storage: For short-term, store in mobile phase. For long-term, remove buffer by flushing with 90% water and then store in high organic to prevent microbial growth.
• General Handling: Always filter samples/solvents and avoid mechanical shocks to protect column integrity.

If you are planning your next method development, make sure to choose the right HPLC column for your analytes to achieve optimal efficiency and reproducibility.

What is the pH range?

The C8 column HPLC operates effectively between pH 1.5–8.5, offering flexibility for acidic to neutral mobile phases. pH stability is 1.5-10 under isocratic conditions.

What is the max temperature?

The maximum operating temperature is typically 60 °C, allowing stable performance without risk of degradation.

How do I know if it’s working properly?

You can inject check standard and run as column CQA to make sure the column is performing properly.

How should I store it?

Remove the buffer first and store in high organic like 80:20 acetonitrile/water with end plugs secured. Avoid pure water for long-term storage to prevent microbial growth.

Why choose C8 over C18?

The C8 column provides shorter retention and faster elution than C18, making it better for moderately to high hydrophobic compounds or when shorter run times are required.

Is it suitable for UHPLC?

Yes, Kinetex C8 columns are designed for both HPLC and UHPLC, offering high efficiency and compatibility with modern systems.

Which particle size should I choose?

• 1.7 µm: Ideal for UHPLC, providing maximum efficiency and resolution.
• 2.6 µm: Lower backpressure, compatible with standard HPLC, while still offering excellent performance.
• 5 µm: available for preparative chromatography if needed.