A new standard reference material for column evaluation in reversed-phase liquid chromatography

A new Standard Reference Material (SRM) for use in characterizing general aspects of liquid chromatographic column performance is described. SIRM 870 Column Performance Test Mixture for Liquid Chromatography contains five components: uracil, toluene, ethylbenzene, quinizarin, and amitriptyline, and is intended to provide indications of column void volume, hydrophobicity, methylene selectivity, activity toward organic bases, and activity toward metal chelators. The test is performed under neutral, buffered conditions. The measurement of retention and peak asymmetry factors for the components facilitates column classification. It is anticipated that this material will be useful (1) in column selection during method development, (2) as a control material to monitor column performance over time, and (3) in quality control in column manufacturing.