USP L43
3 μm / 5 μm
120Å
Orthogonal Selectivity to C18
Enhanced Retention for Aromatic & Halogenated Analytes
Availability: In Stock
PFP HPLC Column
Description
Product Overview
A PFP HPLC column (pentafluorophenyl column, also known as F5 column) is a specialized reversed-phase column (USP L43) designed to provide alternative selectivity for compounds that are poorly retained or insufficiently resolved on conventional C18 columns.
The stationary phase consists of a pentafluorophenyl (C₆F₅) ligand bonded to ultra-high purity fully porous spherical silica. Unlike standard hydrophobic C18 phases, the electron-deficient pentafluorophenyl ring introduces multiple retention mechanisms including:
- π-π interactions
- Dipole-dipole interactions
- Hydrogen bonding
- Hydrophobic interactions
- Secondary ionic interactions under certain pH conditions
This mixed-mode retention behavior makes PFP columns particularly effective for:
- Aromatic positional isomers
- Halogenated compounds
- Polar heterocycles
- Structurally similar analytes
- Compounds with weak retention on C18
Hawach PFP HPLC columns are manufactured from >99.999% pure Type B spherical silica with controlled bonding density for high reproducibility and consistent selectivity across batches. Each production lot is QC-tested using a standard reference mixture to verify retention, efficiency, and peak symmetry.
Available particle sizes:
- 3 μm — fast UHPLC and LC/MS methods
- 5 μm — conventional HPLC and routine QC
Available dimensions include:
- 2.1 mm ID — LC/MS and low-flow applications
- 3.0 mm ID — reduced solvent consumption
- 4.0 / 3.9 mm ID — method transfer compatibility
- 4.6 mm ID — standard analytical HPLC
Column lengths available from 30 mm to 300 mm.
Why Choose a PFP Column Instead of Standard C18?
Many analytes that co-elute on conventional C18 columns can often be resolved on a PFP phase because the selectivity mechanism is fundamentally different.
Technical Advantages
| Feature | PFP (Pentafluorophenyl) Column | Standard C18 Column |
| USP classification | L43 | L1 |
| Primary retention mechanism | Mixed-mode: π-π, dipole, H-bond, hydrophobic | Primarily hydrophobic |
| Aromatic isomer selectivity | Excellent | Moderate |
| Halogenated compound retention | Strong | Limited |
| Polar analyte retention | Enhanced | Often weak |
| Orthogonal selectivity | Yes | Reference phase |
| Method development value | Excellent secondary screening phase | Primary general-purpose phase |
Key Advantages of PFP Selectivity
- Better separation of ortho/meta/para aromatic isomers
- Improved retention of halogenated compounds
- Enhanced selectivity for nitro, nitrile, ketone, and aromatic amine compounds
- Complementary elution order versus C18
- Stronger interaction with electron-rich aromatic analytes
- Improved peak shape for some polar analytes
Typical Compounds Better Suited to PFP
- Halogenated pesticides
- Aromatic drug metabolites
- Phenolic compounds
- Flavonoids
- Nitrogen heterocycles
- Steroids
- Nucleosides and bases
- PCB-related compounds
- Aromatic positional isomers
Key takeaway: PFP columns are not intended to replace C18 universally. They are most valuable when conventional C18 phases fail to resolve critical analyte pairs or provide insufficient selectivity during method development.
Column Selection Guide – Which Particle Size & Dimension?
| Application | Recommended Part No. | Particle Size | ID × Length | Why |
| Routine HPLC analysis, general method development | 13021315 | 5 μm | 4.6×250 mm | Standard analytical format with balanced runtime and resolution |
| Faster analysis / UHPLC | 13021277 | 3 μm | 4.6×250 mm | Higher efficiency and reduced runtime |
| LC/MS analysis | 13021246 or 13021248 | 3 μm | 2.1×100 mm or 150 mm | MS-compatible low flow rates |
| Method development screening | 13021275 or 13021313 | 3 μm or 5 μm | 4.6×150 mm | Faster scouting and selectivity evaluation |
| Preparative purification | Contact sales | 5 μm | 7.8 mm ID or larger | Increased loading capacity |
Recommended Standard Model
13021315 — PFP, 5 μm, 120Å, 4.6×250 mm
Most commonly used configuration for analytical HPLC and method transfer applications. Standard inventory item with 3-5 business day lead time.
Particle Size Guidance
| Particle Size | Best For | Typical Pressure | Typical Runtime |
| 3 μm | UHPLC, fast analysis, LC/MS | ≤6000 psi | Shorter |
| 5 μm | Conventional HPLC, routine QC | ≤4000 psi | Standard |
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| USP classification | L43 |
| Bonded phase | Pentafluorophenyl (C₆F₅) |
| Particle sizes | 3 μm, 5 μm |
| Pore size | 120Å |
| Surface area | ~300 m²/g |
| Carbon load | ~10% |
| Silica type | Ultra-high purity Type B silica |
| pH range | 2.0 – 8.0 |
| End-capping | Double end-capped |
| Max pressure | ~6000 psi (3 μm); ~4000 psi (5 μm) |
| Temperature limit | ≤60°C |
| Recommended mobile phase | Acetonitrile/water or methanol/water |
| Typical flow rate (4.6 mm ID) | 1.0 mL/min |
| Detector compatibility | UV, FLD, LC/MS |
Order Information – SKU Overview
PFP, 3 μm, 120Å
| ID (mm) | Lengths (mm) | Cat# Range |
| 2.1 | 30, 33, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 | 13021242 – 13021250 |
| 3.0 | 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 | 13021251 – 13021258 |
| 4.0 / 3.9 | 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 | 13021259 – 13021268 |
| 4.6 | 30, 33, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 | 13021269 – 13021277 |
PFP, 5 μm, 120Å
| ID (mm) | Lengths (mm) | Cat# Range |
| 2.1 | 30, 33, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 | 13021278 – 13021286 |
| 3.0 | 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250 | 13021287 – 13021294 |
| 4.0 / 3.9 | 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300 | 13021295 – 13021306 |
| 4.6 | 30, 33, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300 | 13021307 – 13021316 |
Standard Stock Model
13021315 — PFP, 5 μm, 120Å, 4.6×250 mm
Additional dimensions, preparative IDs, and custom pore sizes available on request.
Download PDF Datasheet
Key Applications of PFP Columns
| Application Area | Typical Analytes | Why PFP Excels |
| Pharmaceutical development | Aromatic APIs, metabolites, positional isomers | Enhanced π-π selectivity |
| Environmental analysis | Halogenated pesticides, PCBs, PAHs | Strong dipole interactions |
| Food safety | Veterinary drugs, mycotoxins | Better polar analyte retention |
| Clinical / biomedical | Nucleosides, neurotransmitters, steroids | Improved peak shape and selectivity |
| Natural products | Flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics | Alternative selectivity reveals hidden impurities |
| Method development | Any unresolved C18 method | Orthogonal selectivity |
Separation Mechanism – How PFP Columns Work
PFP columns combine multiple retention mechanisms simultaneously, resulting in selectivity that differs significantly from traditional C18 phases.
π-π Interactions
The electron-deficient fluorinated aromatic ring interacts strongly with electron-rich aromatic analytes. This mechanism is particularly useful for separating aromatic positional isomers.
Dipole-Dipole Interactions
Highly polarized C-F bonds interact with analytes containing:
- Halogens
- Carbonyl groups
- Nitriles
- Nitro groups
This improves retention of compounds that may show weak hydrophobic retention on C18.
Hydrogen Bonding
Fluorine atoms can participate in hydrogen bonding interactions with:
- Amines
- Alcohols
- Carboxylic acids
- Amides
Hydrophobic Retention
The fluorinated aromatic ligand still provides reversed-phase retention behavior suitable for standard aqueous-organic mobile phases.
Secondary Ionic Interactions
Under some pH conditions, residual silanols may contribute weak ionic retention for basic compounds.
USP L43 Classification
PFP columns are classified as USP L43:
Pentafluorophenyl chemically bonded to silica.
USP L43 phases are widely used in:
- Pharmaceutical methods
- Impurity profiling
- Environmental analysis
- LC/MS method development
- Regulatory analytical procedures requiring orthogonal selectivity
Hawach PFP columns comply with USP L43 requirements.
Equivalent Column Compatibility
| Major Brand | Model / Series | Hawach Equivalent |
| Waters | XSelect HSS PFP, Atlantis Premier PFP | 13021315 |
| Agilent | ZORBAX Eclipse Plus PFP, Pursuit PFP | 13021315 |
| Phenomenex | Kinetex PFP, Luna PFP | 13021315 |
| Restek | Pinnacle II PFP, Raptor PFP | 13021315 |
| Supelco | Ascentis Express PFP | 13021315 |
| Thermo Scientific | Accucore PFP, Syncronis PFP | 13021315 |
Compatibility Notes
- Same USP L43 classification
- Same mobile phase systems can generally be used
- Same column dimensions and particle sizes available
- Suitable for method transfer and replacement workflows
For validated GMP or regulated methods, a standard system suitability verification is recommended before routine implementation.
Manufacturing & Quality System
- ISO 9001 certified production
- Ultra-high purity Type B silica (>99.999%)
- Controlled pentafluorophenyl bonding process
- QC-tested for plate count, retention factor, and peak symmetry
- Individual COA and test chromatogram supplied
- Full batch traceability
- OEM and private label manufacturing available
Procurement Advantages
- Lower cost compared with major international brands
- USP L43 compliant
- Strong alternative selectivity to C18
- Broad inventory coverage for analytical dimensions
- Standard SKUs available with fast lead times
- COA and chromatogram included
- Compatible with common PFP mobile phase methods
- OEM/private label support for distributors and instrument suppliers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USP classification of a PFP column?
USP L43 – pentafluorophenyl chemically bonded to silica.
When should I use PFP instead of C18?
PFP is particularly useful when C18 cannot adequately resolve aromatic isomers, halogenated compounds, or polar aromatic analytes.
What compounds benefit most from PFP selectivity?
Halogenated aromatics, positional isomers, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, nucleosides, and aromatic drug impurities.
Can I use standard C18 mobile phases?
Yes. Acetonitrile/water and methanol/water systems are commonly used. Gradient optimization may still be necessary because selectivity differs from C18.
Is this column LC/MS compatible?
Yes. Use volatile buffers such as ammonium formate or ammonium acetate.
Are guard columns available?
Yes. Guard cartridges and holders are available for standard analytical dimensions.
What is the standard lead time?
Standard analytical SKUs typically ship within 3-5 business days.
Q8: Can COA and chromatograms be provided before purchase?
Yes. Representative QC chromatograms and COA documents are available upon request.
Does this replace Waters or Agilent PFP columns?
Yes. Equivalent dimensions and USP L43 classification are available for method transfer and replacement applications.
Is full method revalidation required?
Most applications only require a system suitability verification, but regulated laboratories should follow internal change control procedures.
Is OEM/private label available?
Yes. OEM manufacturing, labeling, and custom packaging are supported.
Request & Quotation
Free evaluation columns are available for qualified laboratories.
Support available for:
- Bulk purchasing
- OEM/private label manufacturing
- Custom dimensions
- Distributor cooperation
Please include:
- Column dimensions (ID × length × particle size)
- Intended application
- Annual usage estimate
Existing column brand/model (if replacing another supplier)
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