Chromatography Forum

Hello everybody,

I found in our store a number of HPLC grade solvent bottles which exceeded the normal shelf life (with about two years!). It might be a strange case but I have to use these solvents in the meantime.

Do you have any idea of what the possible problems that may occur when using such solvents?

Thanks in advance.

(1) If they've never been opened, I'd use them.
(2) If they've been opened, I'd probably use them.

Especially if you found some acetonitrile.

Disposal might be even more trouble and costly.

You should be able to use them, but if they are ethers, watch for peroxides, other non-hydrocarbon solvents, watch for increase in UV, especially at low wavelengths. If they are formulated, eg with 0.1% TFA, the UV absorption may have increased.

When you open the bottle, check solvents are clear, bright and colourless.

If the bottles have been opened, for peace-of-mind, you can quickly check colour, density ( weigh 100 ml in volumetric ) and smell ( carefully ) - provided you are able to distinguish solvents by smell, otherwise don't bother.

Generally hydroscopic solvents are used with water gradients on reverse phase, so water content doesn't matter, but if using on normal phase, water content can be an issue.

I've used HPLC solvents ( hydrocarbons ) that were 20+ years old ( no expiry dates on bottles without any problems.

Please keep having fun,

Bruce amilton

Many thanks for all of you.

All the solvents have never been opened including plenty of ACN. However, I tried to use them but I had a high pressure problem. When I checked the MP I found some tiny particles and fibers.

Do you think there might be a possibility that the source of these particles is the solvents?

Is there any possibility of bacterial growth in the un-opened solvents-including HPLC-Water?

The water may have had wildlife growing in it, and I would not use it unless it had been sterile filtered and well sealed. . Unlikely to have wildlife in other solvents, however there can be junk around the cap and bottle top, depending on closure design. Ensure you thoroughly wipe the tops before opening and decanting.

I would probably 0.45um filter some of the solvents, and not use the water. If the pressure problem goes away, then selectively filter solvents until you identify the culprit solvents.

Please keep having fun,

Bruce Hamilton

The water may have had wildlife growing in it, and I would not use it unless it had been sterile filtered and well sealed. . Unlikely to have wildlife in other solvents, however there can be junk around the cap and bottle top, depending on closure design. Ensure you thoroughly wipe the tops before opening and decanting.

I would probably 0.45um filter some of the solvents, and not use the water. If the pressure problem goes away, then selectively filter solvents until you identify the culprit solvents. Please keep having fun,
Bruce Hamilton

Same as what Bruce posted, I wouldn't use the water. Our safety/environmental person would insist to dispose of the water, that we dilute it with water. But only if the pH was OK.

Is there any possibility of bacterial growth in the un-opened solvents-including HPLC-Water?

Ick! I would say open water can defintly grow things. Our lab used to mix our own mobile, even fresh water can be a source of contamination occasionally, so I would not use water that wasn't completly clear... If you swirl it and see floaties or clouds then don't use it.