Chromatographic separation of carbohydrates often requires specialized ion exchange columns designed for precision and efficiency. Welch Xtimate Sugar Columns stand out as an excellent solution, leveraging sulfonated rigid polystyrene/divinylbenzene microspheres with low cross-linking density.
These strong ion-exchange resin columns, commonly known as "sugar columns," employ a multifaceted separation mechanism, with ion coordination exchange playing a pivotal role in carbohydrate analysis.
Types of Xtimate Sugar Columns
The Welch Xtimate Sugar Column series offers two primary options, tailored for diverse analytical needs:
| Column Name | pH Range | DC | Counter Ion | USP No. | Max Pressure | Max Temperature | Flow Rate |
| Xtimate Sugar-H | 1.0-3.0 | 8% | H⁺ | L17 | 14 Mpa | 95 ℃ | <2 (70 ℃) |
| Xtimate Sugar-Ca | 5.0-9.0 | 8% | Ca²⁺ | L19 | 14 Mpa | 95 ℃ | <2 (70 ℃) |
Separation Mechanism of Sugar Columns
The separation principle of these columns is rooted in sulfonated cross-linked ion-exchange resins. The polymer backbone is chemically bonded with ion-exchange groups, such as sulfonic acid, which provide a fixed ionic framework. These fixed ions interact with oppositely charged mobile counter-ions, forming a dynamic ion layer that facilitates separation.
For carbohydrates, the primary mode of action is coordination exchange. Carbohydrates, with their cyclic structures (furanose or pyranose rings) and multiple hydroxyl groups, can form coordination bonds with the counter-ions in the column.
Impact of Metal Ions on Performance
The presence of unintended metal ions in the sample or mobile phase can significantly influence the performance of sugar columns. These ions can displace the column's counter-ions, altering separation selectivity. Key considerations include:
- Divalent ions (e.g., Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺): Particularly impactful on Sugar-Ca columns, as they compete with Ca²⁺ ions for binding sites.
- Monovalent ions (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺): More disruptive to Sugar-H columns, leading to diminished resolution and efficiency.
To maintain peak performance, users should avoid introducing extraneous metal ions into the system.
Regenerating Welch Xtimate Sugar Columns
Despite precautions, metal ion contamination or extended use may reduce column performance over time. Welch Xtimate Sugar Columns can be regenerated to restore their original functionality.
Regeneration Procedure
When a total of 5 liters of mobile phases have been used in a sugar column, or when experiencing increased column pressure, abnormal peak shapes, or decreased column efficiency or resolution, regeneration should be applied under the following conditions:
| Flow Rate | Sample flow rate |
| Mobile Phase | For Sugar-Ca: 0.5 g/L CaNa2EDTA aqueous solution For Sugar-H: Sulfuric acid aqueous solution (pH=2.5) |
| Column Temperature | 85 ℃ |
| Duration | 8 hours (column length ≤100 mm) 2 hours (column length ＞100 mm) |
Metal cations should be avoided in the mobile phases for regeneration.
Brand: Xtimate
Phase: Sugar-H
Particle Size: 5μm
Pore Size:
USP Classification: L17/L22
Separation Mode: Ion Exchange
pH Range: 1.0-3.0
Surface Area:
Carbon Load:
Max.Pressure: 14Mpa
Endcapped:
Max.Temp.: 95°C
Particle Shape:
Chromatographic separation of carbohydrates often requires specialized ion exchange columns designed for precision and efficiency. Welch Xtimate Sugar Columns stand out as an excellent solution, leveraging sulfonated rigid polystyrene/divinylbenzene microspheres with low cross-linking density.
These strong ion-exchange resin columns, commonly known as "sugar columns," employ a multifaceted separation mechanism, with ion coordination exchange playing a pivotal role in carbohydrate analysis.
Types of Xtimate Sugar Columns
The Welch Xtimate Sugar Column series offers two primary options, tailored for diverse analytical needs:
| Column Name | pH Range | DC | Counter Ion | USP No. | Max Pressure | Max Temperature | Flow Rate |
| Xtimate Sugar-H | 1.0-3.0 | 8% | H⁺ | L17 | 14 Mpa | 95 ℃ | <2 (70 ℃) |
| Xtimate Sugar-Ca | 5.0-9.0 | 8% | Ca²⁺ | L19 | 14 Mpa | 95 ℃ | <2 (70 ℃) |
Separation Mechanism of Sugar Columns
The separation principle of these columns is rooted in sulfonated cross-linked ion-exchange resins. The polymer backbone is chemically bonded with ion-exchange groups, such as sulfonic acid, which provide a fixed ionic framework. These fixed ions interact with oppositely charged mobile counter-ions, forming a dynamic ion layer that facilitates separation.
For carbohydrates, the primary mode of action is coordination exchange. Carbohydrates, with their cyclic structures (furanose or pyranose rings) and multiple hydroxyl groups, can form coordination bonds with the counter-ions in the column.
Impact of Metal Ions on Performance
The presence of unintended metal ions in the sample or mobile phase can significantly influence the performance of sugar columns. These ions can displace the column's counter-ions, altering separation selectivity. Key considerations include:
- Divalent ions (e.g., Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺): Particularly impactful on Sugar-Ca columns, as they compete with Ca²⁺ ions for binding sites.
- Monovalent ions (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺): More disruptive to Sugar-H columns, leading to diminished resolution and efficiency.
To maintain peak performance, users should avoid introducing extraneous metal ions into the system.
Regenerating Welch Xtimate Sugar Columns
Despite precautions, metal ion contamination or extended use may reduce column performance over time. Welch Xtimate Sugar Columns can be regenerated to restore their original functionality.
Regeneration Procedure
When a total of 5 liters of mobile phases have been used in a sugar column, or when experiencing increased column pressure, abnormal peak shapes, or decreased column efficiency or resolution, regeneration should be applied under the following conditions:
| Flow Rate | Sample flow rate |
| Mobile Phase | For Sugar-Ca: 0.5 g/L CaNa2EDTA aqueous solution For Sugar-H: Sulfuric acid aqueous solution (pH=2.5) |
| Column Temperature | 85 ℃ |
| Duration | 8 hours (column length ≤100 mm) 2 hours (column length ＞100 mm) |
Metal cations should be avoided in the mobile phases for regeneration.
Brand: Xtimate
Phase: Sugar-H
Particle Size: 5μm
Pore Size:
USP Classification: L17/L22
Separation Mode: Ion Exchange
pH Range: 1.0-3.0
Surface Area:
Carbon Load:
Max.Pressure: 14Mpa
Endcapped:
Max.Temp.: 95°C
Particle Shape: