Karin Cabrera

Merk KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Using a novel new-design monolithic silica column (Chromolith? HighResolution RP-18e), fast, high resolution separations were achieved for various drug mixtures without the high pressures characteristic of modern particulate technology.

Monolithic columns feature both high column efficiency and high column permeability. This article discusses their preparation, applications, and future prospects.

Using a novel new-design monolithic silica column (Chromolith? HighResolution RP-18e), fast, high resolution separations were achieved for various drug mixtures without the high pressures characteristic of modern particulate technology.

Using a novel new-design monolithic silica column (Chromolith® HighResolution RP-18e), fast, high resolution separations were achieved for various drug mixtures without the high pressures characteristic of modern particulate technology.

Since 2001 when they became available in North America, monolithic silica HPLC columns have become valuable analytical tools in the R&D and methods development laboratories.

Since 2001 when they became available in North America, monolithic silica HPLC columns have become valuable analytical tools in the R&D and methods development laboratories.

In this article, silica-based monolithic columns are compared and contrasted to packed microparticulate columns. Some of the challenges developing commercial silica rods and encapsulated monolith columns are described, including the development of a 2-mm i.d. column. A study of wall effects in these monolith columns was performed. Future trends and challenges in improving the performance of silica-based monolith columns are described.