USP L8 column: Amino (aminopropyl silane)
A single layer of aminopropyl silane bonded to fully porous silica of 1.5-10 um, or to a monolithic rod.
Mode: normal-phase Typical pH range: about 2-7.5
Typical uses
- Sugars and sugar alcohols with acetonitrile-water (HILIC-type)
- Normal-phase separations of polar compounds
- Weak anion exchange of acids
Common sizes (length x internal diameter, particle size)
- 250 x 4.6 mm, 5 um
- 150 x 4.6 mm, 5 um
Amino groups can react with aldehydes/ketones (Schiff base) and the phase bleeds faster than C18; column life is shorter.
Example columns sold as USP L8
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 | Polaris NH2 | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Waters | Spherisorb NH2 | fully porous silica 3/5/10 um | not stated in source |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific | Hypersil GOLD Amino | fully porous silica 1.9/3/5 um | 2-8 |
| Phenomenex | Luna NH2 | fully porous silica 3/5/10 um | 1.5-11 |
| Merck (Supelco) | Purospher STAR NH2 | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Shimadzu | Shim-pack GIST NH2 | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Restek | Ultra Amino | fully porous silica 3/5 um | 2.5-8 |
| Macherey-Nagel | NUCLEODUR NH2 | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Nacalai Tesque (Cosmosil) | COSMOSIL NH2-MS | fully porous silica | not stated in source |
| Welch Materials | Ultisil XB-NH2 | 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 L8 packing (Amino (aminopropyl silane)), 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 L8 designation and the stated dimensions is acceptable.
Size:
Changing length or particle size
You can keep the USP L8 packing and use a different length, particle size or diameter within the harmonized USP 621 limits. Check your columns with the calculator.
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