USP L10 column: Cyano (CN, nitrile)
Nitrile (cyanopropyl) groups bonded to porous silica of 1.5-10 um, or to a monolithic rod.
Mode: reversed-phase Typical pH range: about 2-8 (silica base)
Typical uses
- Alternative selectivity to C18/C8 in reversed-phase mode
- Normal-phase separations
- Polar and basic drugs with low retention needs
Common sizes (length x internal diameter, particle size)
- 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 um
- 150 x 4.6 mm, 5 um
- 100 x 2.1 mm, 1.7-1.8 um
Usable in both reversed-phase and normal-phase modes; less stable than C18 at low pH.
Example columns sold as USP L10
From the makers' own USP code lists and product pages, checked October 2026. Examples only, not an endorsement. Columns with the same code can still differ in selectivity; if the monograph names a column in its notes, start with that one.
| Maker | Product family | Particle | pH range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agilent | ZORBAX SB-CN | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Waters | XSelect HSS CN | fully porous HSS silica 2.5/3.5/5 um | not stated in source |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | Hypersil GOLD CN | fully porous silica 1.9/3/5 um | 2-8 |
| Phenomenex | Luna CN | fully porous silica 3/5/10 um | 1.5-7 |
| Merck (Supelco) | Discovery Cyano | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Restek | Ultra Cyano | fully porous silica 3/5 um | 2.5-8 |
| Macherey-Nagel | NUCLEODUR CN / CN-RP | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Avantor (ACE) | ACE CN | fully porous silica 2/3/5/10 um | 2-7 |
| Nacalai Tesque (Cosmosil) | COSMOSIL CN-MS | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Welch Materials | Ultisil XB-CN | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
10 makers listed, so a tender written by USP code stays open to competition.
Tender wording (brand-neutral)
HPLC column with USP L10 packing (Cyano (CN, nitrile)), 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 um (length x internal diameter, particle size); stainless-steel or equivalent hardware with standard fittings; recommended pH and temperature range to be stated by the bidder; each column supplied with its certificate of analysis and test chromatogram, batch/lot number and serial number; shelf life not less than 2 years from delivery; any make meeting the USP L10 designation and the stated dimensions is acceptable.
Size:
Changing length or particle size
You can keep the USP L10 packing and use a different length, particle size or diameter within the harmonized USP 621 limits. Check your columns with the calculator.
Related column types
L1 C18 (octadecyl silane) | L7 C8 (octyl silane) | L11 Phenyl | L13 C1 (trimethylsilane) | L21 PS-DVB polymer (rigid) | L26 C4 (butyl silane) | L29 Polybutadiene-coated alumina (RP) | L43 PFP (pentafluorophenyl) | L60 Polar-embedded alkyl amide, endcapped | L62 C30 | L67 Polymer C18 (vinyl alcohol copolymer) | L68 Alkyl amide, not endcapped
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