Cyano-based 1301 columns are general use GC columns that are well suited for the analysis of solvents across a range of volatilities. The cyano stationary phase provides more retention of polar compounds than a 5-type column; however, cyano-based stationary phases are prone to high bleed and poor robustness, limiting their utility. The Rxi-1301Sil MS column from Restek is a silarylene-based cyano stationary phase that not only provides the column selectivity needed for analyzing less volatile compounds, but also significantly lowers column bleed and improves robustness.
The low maximum operating temperature that is characteristic of non-silarylene cyano phases is a well-known drawback to using traditional 1301 columns for volatiles analysis. Due to their high bleed and low maximum temperatures, many 1301 columns do not perform well for MS analyses. In contrast, the robust Rxi-1301Sil MS column works extremely well for MS applications because it offers the highest maximum temperature and lowest bleed in the industry, leading to much more reliable and accurate MS results. Exceptionally high thermal stability produces robust column performance and allows for more aggressive thermal ramping to eliminate carryover of high molecular weight compounds between analyses (i.e., increased uptime).
In addition to providing both true 1301 selectivity and the lowest bleed/highest temperature limits in the industry, the Rxi-1301Sil MS column is designed to provide a high degree of inertness. Each Rxi-1301Sil MS column is tested with a QC mix that includes both acidic and basic probes to ensure inertness across multiple compound classes. Greater column inertness improves peak shape and response, ensuring more accurate quantitative results.
The Rxi-1301Sil MS column is ideal for the analysis of multiple compound classes across a range of polarities and volatilities. With its cyano-based selectivity and high thermal stability, it is the best 1301-type column for robust MS analyses.
