heptane instead of hexane as eluent?

[macca]

Dear chromatographists,

Since the use of hexane in our lab has to be minimalised because of health reasons, I was wondering wether it is possible to switch to heptane... Has anyone done so allready and if not, why not?

Kind regards,

Macca

[leadazide]

I have used both hexane and heptane.. I had no problems switching to heptane. But beware if you are meassuring fluorescence then you need a pecial Heptane or you'll get a high background.

[tom jupille]

Other things being equal, I would expect very similar chemistry, but about 25% higher back pressure (due to higher viscosity).

[macca]

Would it then be wise to increase the temperature by, say, 10 degrees?

[tom jupille]

Selectivity may or may not change as a function of temperature. Pressure should decrease somewhat. Try it and see.

[wrxtotoro]

Depends on the method. When I developed my last chiral method, Heptane and hexane gave me quite different peak shape.