ACE C18-PFP

ACE C18-PFP

ACE® C18-PFP phase utilises a specially developed ligand combining a C18 chain with integral PFP functionality. This results in a phase that maintains the hydrophobic, stability and low bleed characteristics of leading C18 phases, yet provides the multiple retention mechanisms of a PFP phase.


  • Ultra-high purity, base deactivated silica with exceptional reproducibility
  • Ideal for a wide range of analytes differing in hydrophobicity
  • Wide range of particle sizes (1.7 µm to 10 µm) and complementary phases
  • Also useful for analytes with π-bonding or electron or proton donor groups
  • Ultra-low bleed to ensure LC-MS compatibility
  • Description
  • Alternate Selectivity
  • When to use
  • Column Inertness

The use of an ultra pure, ultra inert silica has many recognised benefits including improved reproducibility, lifetime and chromatographic performance (particularly with basic molecules). However, since the ultra inert silica surface effectively no longer contributes to the separation, C18 columns manufactured with high purity silicas show near identical selectivity. It is therefore highly likely that a problem separation on one leading brand will not be significantly improved by changing to an alternate manufacturer’s equivalent product.


For many years, experienced chromatographers have been seeking phases with the proven performance and reproducibility benefits shown by such leading C18 column brands, but which additionally provide the alternate selectivity required for their challenging applications.


ACE C18-PFP is a unique C18 bonded HPLC column with the extra selectivity of a pentafluorophenyl (PFP) phase


C18 bonded phases currently dominate the HPLC market, with recent surveys indicating that they are still responsible for 50-60% of all HPLC columns sold. In recent years the use of PentaFluoroPhenyl (PFP) bonded phases has grown significantly due to the alternate selectivity they provide.


However, compared to C18 bonded phases, PFP phases have traditionally been compromised with reduced hydrophobicity, reduced stability and significant column bleed.


The ACE C18-PFP phase utilises a specially developed ligand combining a C18 chain with integral PFP functionality, resulting in a phase that maintains the hydrophobic, stability and low bleed characteristics of leading C18 phases, yet provides the multiple retention mechanisms of a PFP phase that are responsible for the unique selectivity of ACE C18-PFP.


Due to their similar hydrophobic characteristics, ACE C18-PFP columns may be used for applications in which “standard” C18 columns would normally be considered. However, due to its integral pentafluorophenyl functionality, ACE C18-PFP is additionally recommended for separations that involve halogenated aromatic compounds, regioisomers and those analytes with differing shape constraints.


ACE C18-PFP can be used to improve separations that are proving problematic on C18 columns. The unique ACE C18-PFP phase provides an alternate selectivity to C18 columns, but remains a valid selection for methods in which C18 bonded columns are specified. In many instances, the same evaluation conditions that prove unsuitable for the C18 column prove suitable for the C18-PFP column, avoiding the need for lengthy method redevelopment.

Comparison of column inertness includes

  • Leading 3μm, small pore C18 column brands
  • 50 x 2.1 mm id LC-MS compatible dimensions
  • Basic molecule inertness test
  • Peak efficiency and asymmetry investigation
  • Hitachi ChromasterUltra Rs
  • Shimadzu Nexera, Prominence
  • Plus many other brands of UHPLC instrumentation