Comparison and Selection of Commercial RP-Columns

The diversity of RP-phases is a well-known fact and the topic of many publications. In this chapter, results of our own investigations concerning the comparison of commercially available columns and their properties are reported in condensed form. The focus of the explanations is on experimental results and on conclusions from the point of view of the user. Three topics are addressed, namely  

Are there general rules allowing informed pre-selection of columns depending on the type of compounds to be separated.  

Which commercially available columns have similar properties and how can this be tested  

What should be in my personal column tool kit ( column portfolio )  

U sually, an RP-phase is made by chemical modification of the surface of a suitable matrix, which in most cases is silica gel. The degree of conversion is 50-70%, except in specific cases such as polymerized phases. 

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