
( Brand: Waters ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: WAT058965 ), ( Country Of Origin: Ireland )
The **Waters Symmetry C18 Column (WAT058965, Part #214827-R1, B7)** is a high-performance analytical chromatography column designed for precision and reliability in liquid chromatography (LC) applications, particularly in reversed-phase separations. Engineered with Waters proprietary Symmetry technology, this column features a chemically bonded C18 (octadecyl) stationary phase that delivers exceptional peak symmetry, efficiency, and robustness across a wide range of sample matrices. The **3.5 m particle size** enhances column performance by reducing backpressure while maintaining high resolution and sensitivity, making it ideal for both routine and challenging separations in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, environmental, and food safety analyses. With a **2.1 mm internal diameter**, this column is optimized for modern ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems, enabling faster run times and improved detection limits without sacrificing chromatographic performance. The **100 mm length** provides a balanced separation capacity, ensuring adequate resolution for mid-to-high molecular weight compounds while minimizing solvent consumption. The **B7 end-capping** further stabilizes the stationary phase, reducing tailing and improving peak shape for polar and basic analytes, which is particularly advantageous in bioanalytical applications where protein binding or ion suppression can interfere with separation integrity. Built to withstand high pressures and repeated injections, this column is compatible with a variety of mobile phase compositions, including aqueous-organic gradients, and is fully compatible with Waters Acquity and other advanced LC systems. Whether used for small molecule quantification, chiral separations, or complex biomolecule analysis, the Symmetry C18 column exemplifies Waters commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality performance for laboratories demanding both precision and longevity in their chromatographic workflows.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Waters Symmetry C18 Column (WAT058965, 3.5 m, 2.1 mm, 100 mm, Part #214827-R1, Batch B7)**
#### **Pros:**1. **High Performance for Small-Molecule Analysis** The 2.1 mm internal diameter and 3.5 m particle size provide excellent resolution and sensitivity, making it ideal for complex mixtures, pharmaceuticals, and small-molecule separations.
2. **Stable and Reliable Chromatography** The Symmetry C18 column is known for its durability and consistent performance over extended use, reducing the need for frequent column replacements.
3. **Versatile Application Range** Works well for reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) applications, including peptide mapping, metabolite profiling, and impurity analysis in drug development.
4. **Good Peak Shape and Efficiency** The bonded silica chemistry minimizes tailing, ensuring sharp, well-defined peaks, which is crucial for quantitative analysis.
5. **Compatibility with Common Mobile Phases** Performs well with aqueous-organic gradients (e.g., acetonitrile or methanol in water with buffers), making it adaptable to various sample matrices.
6. **Waters Brand Reliability** As a reputable manufacturer, Waters columns are widely trusted in research and industrial settings, with strong technical support and availability of replacement parts.
7. **Long Lifespan with Proper Use** When maintained correctly (e.g., avoiding harsh conditions, regular cleaning), this column can last for thousands of injections, reducing long-term costs.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Higher Upfront Cost** Compared to generic or lower-end columns, the Symmetry C18 is more expensive, which may be a barrier for budget-conscious labs or small-scale users.
2. **Limited Use for Large Molecules** While effective for small molecules, it may not be optimal for large biomolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids), which often require specialized columns like protein C4 or hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) phases.
3. **Sensitivity to Mobile Phase pH** The silica-based stationary phase can degrade if exposed to extreme pH (e.g., 8) over time, potentially shortening the column s lifespan if not used with appropriate buffers.
4. **Backpressure Considerations** The 3.5 m particle size generates higher backpressure than larger particles (e.g., 5 m), which may require a more robust HPLC system with a high-pressure pump.
5. **Batch-to-Batch Variability (Minor)** While generally consistent, slight variations between batches (e.g., Batch B7 vs. others) could affect retention times or peak shapes, though this is usually negligible for most applications.
6. **Not Ideal for High-Speed Analysis Without Optimization** While fast for small molecules, achieving ultra-high performance (e.g., sub-2-minute runs) may require careful method optimization, including flow rate and gradient selection.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Waters Symmetry C18 (3.5 m, 2.1 mm 100 mm)** is a high-quality, versatile column well-suited for **small-molecule HPLC applications** where resolution, sensitivity, and reliability are critical. Its strengths lie in its **consistent performance, durability, and compatibility with a wide range of samples**, making it a preferred choice in pharmaceutical, biochemical, and analytical research labs. However, its **higher cost, limited applicability to large molecules, and sensitivity to pH** may not make it the best fit for all users, particularly those working with biomacromolecules or operating on tight budgets.
### **Recommendation**
- **Buy this column if:**- You need **high-resolution, reproducible separations** for small molecules (e.g., drugs, metabolites, impurities).
- You prioritize **long-term reliability** and are willing to invest in a premium column.
- Your HPLC system can handle **moderate to high backpressure** (e.g., 4000 6000 psi).
- You work with **reversed-phase chromatography** and avoid extreme pH conditions.
- **Consider alternatives if:**- You require **large-molecule separations** (e.g., proteins, peptides), in which case a **protein C4, HILIC, or chiral column** may be better.
- You need **ultra-fast analysis** (sub-2 minutes) without extensive method optimization, as smaller particles (e.g., 1.7 m) or specialized columns (e.g., Acquity BEH C18) might be more efficient.
- Budget constraints are a concern, and you could explore **generic or lower-cost C18 columns** (e.g., Phenomenex Kinetex, Thermo Hypersil) with similar performance for your specific application.
For most **small-molecule HPLC applications**, this column is an excellent choice due to its **proven track record and performance**. Ensure proper **mobile phase selection, pH control, and system maintenance** to maximize its lifespan and efficiency.
All return shipping charges must be prepaid by the customer. #214827-R1 B7. Floor Scale you see in the pictures is not included. Waters WAT058965.