hplc column stability

[olivia]

Hi, I have run a study to determine the stability of a column for hplc using benzene derivatives to determine loss of bonded phase and basic analytes to determine silanol activity. However, I want to complete the study and wondered if anyone can tell me if there is any point doing elemental analysis on the column. I ask because, surely the same amount of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen is still present in the column after the stability study has been completed, if in somewhat different format.
Hope someone can help
Thanks
Liv

[Uwe Neue]

Well designed chromatographic methods can be much more sensitive than CHN analysis. I do not know how good your chromatographic method is. A discussion of tests including a detailed description of the test that I am using is in my book on page 198, or you can find the information in the literature.

If you plan to get a CHN analysis of the packing, I recommend to do this at the top, center and bottom of the column separately. It is not clear, if the "same amount of carbon etc" is still in the column after your assay. This depends on the details of the assay, and the type of bonded phase.