Polymer based normal phase columns are generally much less polar than those based on silica, and hence are used for separations which require an amino or cyano column. Typical applications are for the analysis of sugars, where the eluents are not dissimilar to those used for reversed phase, but the separation is based on normal phase principles (ie more water = faster elution). Normal phase polymer columns are not used for normal phase separations using traditional organic phases such as hexane:chloroform.

In the Shodex range, the star performer is the Asahipak NH2P50 column. This is an outstanding amino column, with many applications, especially in the food industry. It can separate some species which are not resolvable on silica-based columns, retention times stay stable for many many more injections than on a silca-based column, it is more durable to acidic and alkaline conditions, and it is much easier to clean, because of the wide pH range. A detailed Technical Notebook has been produced by Shodex specifially about the use and applications of this column, and to request a copy, please click here.

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