PFP HPLC Columns
USHD PFP HPLC Columns
USHD PFP is a reversed-phase pentafluorophenyl column, USP L43. Retention is hydrophobic, and the phase also contributes π-π, dipole, ion-exchange, and HILIC character, so selectivity differs from C18.
Listed at 5 μm and 3 μm, both 120 Å, 320 m²/g, 12% carbon, pH 2–8. The current page says the phase can be used with a 100% aqueous mobile phase.
USHD PFP HPLC column
Features
A pentafluorophenyl reversed-phase column for samples that a C18 phase does not separate.
- Pentafluorophenyl phase — Ultra-pure silica bonded with a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase. USP L43. The published carbon load is 12%, surface area 320 m²/g, pore size 120 Å, pH 2–8.
- More than hydrophobic retention — The specification table lists hydrophobic, ion-exchange, π-π, and HILIC interactions during analysis. That is the selectivity difference versus a C18 column.
- 100% aqueous mobile phase — The current page says the phase can run in 100% water, for water-soluble compounds as well as conventional reversed-phase solvents.
- Two particle sizes — 5 μm and 3 μm, both 120 Å. Smaller particles raise resolution and backpressure. The page notes that 5 μm is the lower-pressure option.
Product Selection
One phase, two particle sizes. Both are 120 Å. Choose 5 μm when backpressure matters. Choose 3 μm when the separation needs more efficiency.
Specifications
Surface area, carbon load and pH are the figures on the current specification table. Catalog numbers are from the selection sheet. Every size on that sheet is 120 Å.
| Phase | USP | Particle size | Pore size | Surface area | Carbon load | pH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USHD PFP | L43 | 5 μm, 3 μm | 120 Å | 320 m²/g | 12% | 2–8 |
The original table lists four dimensions: 4.6×250 mm, 4.6×150 mm, 3.0×100 mm and 2.1×100 mm. The sheet below is the full standard set for those two particle sizes.
USHD PFP, 5 μm
8 standard sizes, all 120 Å. 4.6×250 mm is listed at 5 μm only.
| Catalog No. | Dimension | Particle size | Pore size |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1F0B-00553 | 2.1×50 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00554 | 2.1×100 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00555 | 3.0×50 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00556 | 3.0×100 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00557 | 4.6×50 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00558 | 4.6×100 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00325 | 4.6×150 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00324 | 4.6×250 mm | 5 μm | 120 Å |
USHD PFP, 3 μm
9 standard sizes, all 120 Å. The longest 3 μm column on the sheet is 4.6×150 mm.
| Catalog No. | Dimension | Particle size | Pore size |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1F0B-00549 | 2.1×50 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00550 | 2.1×100 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00762 | 2.1×150 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00334 | 3.0×50 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00329 | 3.0×100 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00328 | 3.0×150 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00551 | 4.6×50 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00327 | 4.6×100 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
| P1F0B-00326 | 4.6×150 mm | 3 μm | 120 Å |
Applications
Uses already described on this page: samples that need more than C18 hydrophobic retention.
Aromatics and isomers
Aromatic hydrocarbons and positional isomers, where π-π interaction changes the elution order versus C18.
Halogenated compounds
Halogen-containing compounds. The page lists this as a typical reason to choose PFP.
Basic and charged analytes
Protonated amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, and other positively charged groups.
Polar metabolites
Polar metabolites and water-soluble compounds, including methods that use a fully aqueous mobile phase.
Biopharma and natural products
Nitrogen-containing compounds in biopharmaceutical samples and natural products.
Environmental analysis
Environmental samples named on the current page, alongside pharmaceutical and food testing.
Related: USHD C18 HPLC columns · USHD HILIC columns · All HPLC columns.
Support
Send the catalog number if you have it. Otherwise send particle size and dimensions, plus the analyte if you want a phase recommendation.
Phase selection
Stay on C18 when hydrophobic retention is enough. Move to USHD PFP for aromatics, halogenated compounds, isomers, or basic compounds that C18 does not resolve.
Catalog confirmation
The tables above are the standard list. We confirm the P1F0B number against dimensions and particle size before quoting.
Custom sizes
Dimensions that are not in the catalog can be requested as a custom packed column.
FAQ
Answers from the current PFP page and the selection sheet.
01 What is a PFP column in HPLC?
A PFP column is a reversed-phase HPLC column with a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase. USHD PFP is USP L43. The fluorine atoms add interactions that a C18 column does not: π-π, dipole-dipole, and hydrophobic retention. The published specification also lists ion-exchange and HILIC character during analysis. It is used for aromatic rings, polar functional groups, and halogenated compounds.
02 How does USHD PFP compare with C18?
C18 retention is mainly hydrophobic, and it covers non-polar to moderately polar compounds. USHD PFP keeps hydrophobic retention and adds π-π and dipole interactions, so aromatic compounds, halogenated compounds, and some polar or basic compounds that co-elute on C18 can separate. Use PFP when a C18 method is not giving the selectivity you need.
03 What are the published specifications?
USP L43. Particle size 5 μm or 3 μm. Pore size 120 Å. Surface area 320 m²/g. Carbon load 12%. pH 2–8. The original specification table lists 4.6×250 mm, 4.6×150 mm, 3.0×100 mm and 2.1×100 mm. The selection sheet adds the other standard sizes in the catalog tables.
04 Which catalog number is the 4.6×250 mm column?
USHD PFP, 5 μm, 120 Å, 4.6×250 mm is P1F0B-00324. The 5 μm, 4.6×150 mm column is P1F0B-00325. The 3 μm list does not include a 4.6×250 mm size. The longest 3 μm column on the sheet is 4.6×150 mm, P1F0B-00326.
05 What compounds is USHD PFP used for?
The specification table lists aromatic hydrocarbons, halogen-containing compounds, protonated amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, polar metabolites, positively charged groups, isomers, and nitrogen-containing compounds in biopharmaceuticals, natural products, and environmental analysis. The page also names halogenated compounds, isomers, and basic compounds as typical uses.
06 Can it run in 100% water?
The current page says PFP columns can be used with a 100% aqueous mobile phase, which is one reason they are used for water-soluble compounds. Compatible solvents named on the page are water and buffers, acetonitrile, methanol, and additives such as formic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and ammonium acetate. Gradient elution is listed as suitable.
07 How should the column be maintained?
The page recommends washing the column after use, storing it in acetonitrile or methanol so it does not dry out, and staying inside pH 2–8. Do not exceed the temperature limit for the column in use.
08 When is a C18 column the better choice?
The page notes that some non-aromatic, non-polar compounds separate more straightforwardly on C18, and that a PFP method can take longer to develop. If an existing C18 method already meets the specification, there is no need to change it. PFP is the alternative when aromatic, halogenated, isomeric, or basic compounds are not resolved on C18.
Need a size matched to your method?
Request a USHD PFP Quote
Send the catalog number, or the particle size and dimensions. We will confirm availability and pricing.
Helpful to include:
- Catalog number, if it is in the table
- Particle size (5 μm or 3 μm) and dimensions
- Analyte type and current column, if you want a recommendation
- Quantity and destination
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