Guide to Selection of a Capillary Column for GC

Reason for Capillary Column Selection
Stationary Phase and Features of the SGE Capillary Column
Correspondence Table for Each Compound and Capillary Column
Related Information

Reason for Capillary Column Selection

1. Stationary Phase

The least polar stationary phase among the columns that provides the desired separation shall be selected.
*Almost 70% of the capillary GC analyses can be run in the stationary phase equal to 100% dimethyl- (BP1) or 5% phenyl-polysiloxane (BP5, BPX5).
The non-polar stationary phase separates compounds of similar structure by boiling point. Increasing the phenyl/cyanopropyl group content in the stationary phase significantly affects separation by dipole moment and localized electrons.
[BP10(1701), BPX35, BPX50, BP225, BPX70]
A polyethylene glycol-type stationary phase is the best way to separate compounds with different hydrogen bonding forces (e.g. aldehydes, alcohols, ketones).
[SolGel-WAX™, BP20(WAX), BP21(FFAP)]

＜Effect of increasing the phenyl content of the stationary phase＞

Columns：30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm
Initial Temp：45 ℃(1 min)
1st Temp Ramp：30 ℃/min to 200 ℃(0.1 min)
2nd Temp Ramp：7 ℃/min
Final Temp：315 ℃ (hold 10 min)
Injector Temp：280 ℃
Splitless Time ：1 min
Carrier ：He, 1 mL.min

Organophosphorus Pesticides

4-Chloro-3-nitrobenzotrifl uoride
1-Bromo-2-nitrobenzene
Tributylphosphate
Terbufos
Dioxathion
Phoshamidon
Chlorfenvinphos
Ethion
Famphur
Carbophenothion
Triphenylphosphate
Phosmet
Leptophos
Azinphos-ethyl

2. Internal Diameter

＜Effect of Internal diameter on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) analysis＞

The narrower the inner diameter of the column, the higher the column efficiency and the higher the resolution. If using a thin inner diameter column, the length of the column can be shortened, compared with the conventional column, and the analysis time can be shortened with equivalent separation. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the upper limit of the sample load.

3. Film Thickness

Film Thickness (µm)	Internal diameter of the column (μm)
100	150	220	250	320	530
0.10	250	-	550	625	800	1325
0.15	-	250	-	-	-	883
0.25	-	150	220	250	320	530
0.50	-	75	110	125	160	265
1.00	-	-	55	63	80	132
3.00	-	-	-	-	27	44
5.00	-	-	-	-	16	26

If the concentration range of each component in a sample is wide, a column with a thick film is recommended. By selecting a column with a thick film, leading of the peak of high concentration component due to the impact of overload or overlapping with other component peaks that should have been separated in a mixture of the same concentration may be prevented. If the separation of each component is sufficient to avoid the influence of a concentration difference, a column with a thinner film shall be selected, considering the peak shape.
The thicker the film, the longer the elution time, and the higher the elution temperature. In order to elute at the same retention time by doubling the film thickness in a thermostatic analysis, it is necessary to increase the oven temperature from 15°C to 20°C. The temperature program can be used to reduce the elution temperature slightly.
The phase ratio (β) is one of the parameters that shows suitability for various applications. A column with a low β value means a high ratio of film thickness relative to inner diameter, i.e., a strong retention force, suitable for volatile component analysis. On the other hand, a column with a high β value has a thin film and a relatively weak retention force, which is suitable for analysis of compounds with a large molecular weight and a high boiling point.

β = id/4df

β = phase ratio
id = internal diameter of the column (μm)
df = film thickness (μm)

＜Scope of application by phase ratio＞

Phase ratio (β)	Application
16-100	gas, low M.W. hydrocarbons, solvents, Volatile halogen compounds (M.W.16-250)
100-320	semi-volatile compounds, common applications (M.W. 100-700)
320-1325	high M.W. hydrocarbons, wax, petroleum products (M.W. 300-1500)

When changing the inner diameter etc. of a column of the same type, a column with the same phase ratio can be selected to obtain a similar chromatogram.

4. Column Length

The shortest column possible to achieve the required separation shall be selected. If a longer column cannot provide sufficient separation, it is necessary to examine the stationary phase and phase ratio again.
The resolution is proportional to the square root of the column length. When the column length is doubled, the resolution is basically improved by a factor of approximately 1.4.

Stationary Phase and Features of the SGE Capillary Column

Column	Stationary phase	Features	Use
BP1	100 % Dimethyl Polysiloxane	Standard chemical bond 100 % Dimethyl Polysiloxane (Cross-linked type) Excellent general purpose GC column Low bleed Non-polar stationary phase All adapted for routine analysis Maximum operating temperature: 320 ℃ / 340 ℃(Depends on film thickness)	Hydrocarbons, Aromatic compounds, Insecticides, Herbicides, Banned drugs, Phenols, Amine analysis
BP1 PONA	100 % Dimethyl Polysiloxane	Designed for petroleum product analysis.　 Non-polar stationary phase for PONA analysis Suitable for distillation simulation ASTM (DHA-method). Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent. Maximum operating temperature: 320 ℃ / 340 ℃	Petroleum hydrocarbon, Gasoline hydrocarbon, MTBE, Paraffin, Olefins, Naphthenes, Aromatic compounds
BPX1	100 % Dimethyl Polysiloxane	Non-polar stationary phase Structurally stable stationary phase Low bleed Designed specifically for high boiling hydrocarbon analysis. Suitable for distillation simulation ASTM (DHA-method: D2887). Maximum operating temperature: 430 ℃ (Aluminum clad column) Maximum operating temperature: 370 ℃ / 400 ℃ (Polyimide clad column, Depends on film thickness)	ASTM method: D2887, D6532
SolGel-1ms™	100 % Dimethyl Polysiloxane in a SolGel matrix	Ultra low bleed (Better MS library identification and sensitivity, reduced ion source maintenance frequency) High inactivity　 Maximum operating temperature: 340 ℃ / 360 ℃ Can be used with all non-MS detectors. Same selectivity as BP1	Ideal for analysis of highly active compounds.
BP5	5 % Phenyl / 95 % Dimethyl Polysiloxane	Excellent general purpose GC column Low bleed Slightly polar stationary phase High heat resistance Maximum operating temperature: 320 ℃ / 340 ℃(Depends on film thickness)	General analysis, Aromatic compounds, Insecticides, Herbicides, Drug, Hydrocarbon, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Essential oil, Semi-volatile compounds
HT5	5 % Phenyl Polycarborane-siloxane	High heat resistance Unique stationary phase with no equivalent Suitable for distillation simulation Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Maximum operating temperature: 380 ℃ / 400 ℃(Polyimide clad column) Can be washed with solvent.	Distillation simulation, Hydrocarbon, Insecticides, Herbicides
HT8	8 % Phenyl Polycarborane-siloxane	High heat resistance Low bleed Maximum operating temperature: 360 ℃ / 370 ℃ Ideal for PCB isomer analysis. Stronger retention of low chlorine PCB isomers at ortho positions. Suitable for environmental analysis by GC/MS. Unique stationary phase suitable for analysis of POPs compounds	PCB analysis, Aromatic nitro compounds, Polycyclic aromatic compounds, Insecticides, Herbicides
BPX5	5 % Phenyl Polysilphenylene-siloxane	Highly inert High heat resistance Excellent general purpose GC column Suitable for many daily analyses. Ultra low bleed Ideal for trace component analysis. Ideal for GC/MS analysis. Slightly polar stationary phase Maximum operating temperature: 360 ℃ / 370 ℃(Depends on film thickness)	Ultra-trace component analysis, Insecticides, Herbicides, Hydrocarbon, Solvent, Phenols, Amines, Ideal for GC/MS and other GC analysis
BPX35	35 % Phenyl Polysilphenylene-siloxane	Medium polar stationary phase Ideal for confirmatory analysis. Inactive stationary phase Equivalent to USP Phase G4. High heat resistance and low bleed Ideal for drug analysis. Maximum operating temperature: 330 ℃ / 360 ℃ Ideal for GC/MS analysis. Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent.	Environmental analysis, Insecticides, Herbicides, Banned drugs, Pharmaceuticals, Polycyclic aromatic compounds
BPX608	35 % Phenyl Polysilphenylene-siloxane	Ideal for ECD analysis. Effective for analysis of organochlorine pesticides/herbicides. Maximum operating temperature: 370 ℃	Environmental analysis, U.S. EPA method: 608, Insecticides, Herbicides
BPX50	50 % Phenyl Polysilphenylene-siloxane	Medium polar stationary phase Inactive stationary phase High heat resistance and low bleed Suitable for USP EAP methods (Equivalent to G42) Ideal for drug analysis. Maximum operating temperature: 330 ℃ / 350 ℃　 Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent.	U.S. EPA method: 604, 608, 8060, 8081, Triazine pesticides, Drug screening, Steroid, Pharmaceuticals, GC2D
BPX70	70 % Cyanopropyl Polysilophenylene Siloxane	High polar stationary phase Inactive stationary phase High heat resistance and low bleed Ideal for analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Maximum operating temperature: 250 ℃ / 260 ℃ Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent.	Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), Carbohydrate, Pharmaceuticals, GC/MS application
BPX90	90 % Cyanopropyl Polysilophenylene Siloxane	Unique chemical bond stationary phase Extremely strong polar stationary phase High heat resistance Ideal for separating cis / trans isomers. Ideal for analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Maximum operating temperature: 260 ℃ / 280 ℃ Can be washed with solvent.	Fragrance, Aromatic compounds, Petrochemicals, Insecticides, PCB, Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), Trans fatty acids
SolGel-WAX™	Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in a SolGel matrix	Bonded PEG stationary phase High heat resistance More resistant to oxygen damage than conventional WAX stationary phase. High polar stationary phase Ultra low bleed and highly inert Maximum operating temperature: 280 ℃ Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent.	Ideal for analysis of highly active compounds
BP20(WAX)	Polyethylene Glycol	Standard WAX column High polar stationary phase Maximum operating temperature: 240 ℃ / 280 ℃ (Depends on film thickness) Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent.	Alcohols, Free acid, Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), Aromatic compounds, Solvent, Essential oils
BP21(FFAP)	Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) TPA treated	Modified PEG stationary phase with nitroterephthalic acid High polar stationary phase Ideal for analysis of low molecular weight organic acids. Maximum operating temperature: 250 ℃ Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent (water and ethanol are not recommended).	Free acid, Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), Alcohols, Aldehydes, Acrylates, Ketones
BP10(1701)	14 % Cyanopropylphenyl　86 % Dimethyl polysiloxane	Ideal for analysis of organochlorine pesticides. Medium polar stationary phase Low bleed and high inert	Environmental analysis, US EPA method: 608, 8081, Insecticides, Herbicides, Abuse drugs, Pharmaceuticals
BPX-VOLATILES	Cyanopropylphenyl Polysiloxane	Medium polar stationary phase Suitable for US EPA volatile organic compound analysis (EPA 624, 502.2, SW-846, 8240/8260). Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Maximum operating temperature: 290 ℃ / 300 ℃ Can be washed with solvent.	Environmental analysis, Volatile organic compounds, Alcohols, USP G43
BP624	Cyanopropylphenyl Polysiloxane	US EPA method: 624 corresponding column Designed for volatile organic compound analysis. Suitable for EPA 624, SW-846, 8240/8260. Suitable for USP G43. Maximum operating temperature: 230 ℃ / 300 ℃ Chemical bond (Cross-linked type) Can be washed with solvent.	US EPA method: 624, Volatile organic compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, solvents in drinking water (EPA method: 501.3, 502.2, 503.1, 524.2, 601, 602, 8010, 8015, 8020, 8240, 8260)
CYDEX-B™	Permethyl-β-cyclodextrin (chiral)	For separating optical isomers	Separation of enantiomers in natural products

Correspondence Table for Each Compound and Capillary Column

◎: Stationary phase recommended for application
● : Stationary phase able to respond to application

Compounds	SOLGEL-1ms BP1	BPX1 BP1-PONA	BPX5 BP5	HT5	HT8	BPX35	BPX-Volatiles BP624	BP10	BPX50	SOLGEL- WAX BP20	BP21	BPX70	CYDEX-β	BPX20
Acidic/Neulral Drugs			●			◎
Acids			●							●	◎
Alcohols			●				●			◎	●			●
Amines Aliphatic			●				●			●
Amines Aromatic			●			◎	●			●
Antidepressants			●			◎
Aromatics - PAH	●		◎		●	●			●					●
Aroclors					◎									●
Beverages - Alcohols							◎			●
Butter - Fat			●	◎
Chiral Compounds													◎
Chlorinated Aromatics	●		◎			◎		●
Cigarette Lighter Fuel			●				●
Dioxins			◎						●
Essential Oils			◎										◎	●
Food - FAME			●							●		◎		◎
Glucose - Methylated										●		◎
Herbicides	●		●			●			◎
Industrial Solvents							●	●		◎
Ketones						●	●		●	◎
Monomers			●					●		◎
Nitroaromatics	●		◎		●	◎		●	●
Organochlorine Pesticides	●		◎		●	●			◎					●
Organophosphorous Pesticides	●		◎			●			◎					●
Paraffins	●	◎	●	◎
PCB's			●		◎									●
Petroleum	●	◎	●	◎
Phenols			◎			●				●	●
Phthalates	●		◎											●
Plant Sterols			●			●			●
Polymers	◎			◎
Polywax	●		●	◎
Pyrethroids	●		◎			◎		●	●
Racehorse Doping Mixture			◎			●
Sedatives			●			◎
Semivolatiles	●		◎											●
Silicon Oil				◎
Solvents							◎			◎				●
Sugars-Alditol Acetates			●							●		◎
Triglycerides			◎	◎
TRPH	◎		●	◎
Volatiles			●				◎			◎
Xylenes	●	●	●	●						◎				◎

For research use or further manufacturing use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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