
( Brand: Waters ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 186007096 ), ( Country Of Origin: Ireland )
The **Waters 186007096 Acquity Cortecs C18 Column (2.1 mm 50 mm, 1.6 m)** is a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) column designed for advanced analytical separations with exceptional efficiency, sensitivity, and robustness. Part of Waters Acquity Cortecs line, this column features a **fully porous, core-shell particle technology** with a **1.6 m particle size**, enabling ultra-fast and high-resolution separations while maintaining superior peak shape and reproducibility. The **C18 (octadecylsilane) stationary phase** provides a balanced combination of hydrophobic and polar interactions, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including small molecule analysis, pharmaceutical development, bioanalysis, and environmental testing. With a **narrow bore (2.1 mm)** and a **short bed length (50 mm)**, this column excels in **high-speed separations**, reducing analysis times without compromising resolution, which is particularly advantageous in high-throughput laboratories. The **2.1 m internal diameter** also enhances sensitivity, making it well-suited for sensitive detection methods like UV, fluorescence, or mass spectrometry (MS). The **Acquity Cortecs** technology ensures a **smooth, uniform surface** with minimal extra-column band broadening, delivering sharper peaks and improved detection limits. Whether used in **gradient or isocratic elution**, this column demonstrates remarkable stability across a broad pH range (typically 2 8), ensuring reliable performance in diverse mobile phase conditions. Its **high mechanical and chemical stability** makes it durable for repeated use, even under demanding conditions, while its **low backpressure** allows for efficient operation with standard UPLC systems. Ideal for researchers and analysts seeking **high-throughput, high-resolution separations** with minimal sample preparation, the Waters 186007096 Acquity Cortecs C18 column is a versatile and high-performance choice for modern analytical laboratories.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Waters 186007096 Acquity Cortecs C18 Column (90 , 1.6 m, 2.1 mm 50 mm, Part #214818-R1, Batch B7)**
#### **Pros:**1. **High Performance for UHPLC Applications** The 1.6 m particle size enables superior separation efficiency, faster analysis times, and better peak resolution compared to traditional 3 5 m columns. This is ideal for complex samples requiring high sensitivity.
2. **Optimized for UHPLC Systems** Designed specifically for Waters Acquity UHPLC systems, ensuring compatibility with high-pressure capabilities and fast flow rates (up to 2 mL/min). This reduces run times without sacrificing resolution.
3. **C18 Bonded Phase** The C18 (octadecyl) stationary phase is the most widely used in reversed-phase HPLC, providing broad compatibility with a variety of analytes, including small molecules, pharmaceuticals, and biologics.
4. **High Column Efficiency** The 90 pore size balances retention and peak shape for mid-to-large molecules, while the 2.1 mm ID offers a good balance between sensitivity and sample loading capacity.
5. **Durability and Longevity** Waters Cortecs columns are known for their chemical and mechanical stability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. The B7 batch suggests it has undergone rigorous quality control.
6. **Versatility in Method Development** Works well for both gradient and isocratic elution, making it adaptable to different analytical needs, including LC-MS compatibility.
7. **Backed by Waters Support** As a branded column from a reputable manufacturer, it comes with technical support, warranties, and documented performance data, which is valuable for troubleshooting and validation.
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#### **Cons:**1. **High Cost** Compared to generic or third-party columns, Waters Cortecs columns are expensive. This may be a barrier for laboratories with tight budgets or those running many analyses.
2. **Limited Sample Loading Capacity** The 2.1 mm ID is narrower than some standard 4.6 mm columns, which means lower sample loading capacity per injection. This may require more frequent sample preparation or higher injection volumes for trace analysis.
3. **Compatibility with Non-UHPLC Systems** While it can technically be used on conventional HPLC systems, the small particle size and high efficiency are optimized for UHPLC. Using it on a slower system may not fully utilize its capabilities and could lead to unnecessary pressure issues.
4. **Potential for Clogging** Very small particles (1.6 m) can be more susceptible to clogging with dirty or poorly filtered samples. Requires careful sample preparation and pre-column filtering.
5. **Batch Variability (Minor Concern)** While the B7 batch is likely reliable, slight variations between batches (e.g., retention times) can occur, which may require method validation if switching batches frequently.
6. **Not Ideal for Very Large Molecules** The 90 pore size may not be optimal for very large proteins or polymers, where larger pore sizes (e.g., 300 ) might be preferable.
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### **Conclusion:**The **Waters 186007096 Acquity Cortecs C18 column (90 , 1.6 m, 2.1 mm 50 mm)** is a high-performance, specialized column designed for UHPLC applications where speed, resolution, and sensitivity are critical. It excels in method development for small to mid-sized molecules, pharmaceuticals, and biologics, offering superior efficiency over traditional columns. However, its cost, narrow ID, and specific compatibility with UHPLC systems may limit its suitability for all laboratories.
**Recommendation:**- **Buy if:** You have a **Waters Acquity UHPLC system**, require **high-resolution separations**, or work with **complex matrices** where fast, sensitive analysis is essential. It is particularly valuable for **pharmaceutical development, metabolomics, or bioanalytical applications**.
- **Consider alternatives if:** You are on a **tight budget**, work with **large molecules**, or use a **non-UHPLC system**. In such cases, a **3 5 m C18 column** (e.g., Waters XBridge, Phenomenex Kinetex) or a **larger-ID column (3 mm or 4.6 mm)** may be more cost-effective or practical.
- **Test before committing:** If possible, evaluate a used or demo column first to ensure it meets your specific separation needs before purchasing new.
For most **high-end analytical laboratories** investing in UHPLC, this column is a worthwhile purchase due to its reliability and performance. For others, weighing the cost against the specific analytical requirements is essential.
CORTECS C18 Column, 90, 1.6 m, 2.1mm. Floor Scale you see in the pictures is not included. All return shipping charges must be prepaid by the customer. #214818-R1 B7.
Waters ACQUITY 186007096.