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Waters

Is it safe to inject DMSO on an HPLC column? - WKB28265

Article number: 28265

ENVIRONMENT

  • HPLC
  • XBridge
  • Atlantis
  • Symmetry
  • column

ANSWER

Yes, with some clarification. 

DMSO is a strong solvent that is able to solubilize a lot of different analytes, both small- and large-molecule. It can solubilize high mass quantities, and for that reason there is a danger of sample precipitation when it meets the mobile phase, if solubility in the mobile phase is marginal. 

The injector needle should not contain PEEK because DMSO will extract it out and it will make its way to the column as it wears out.

DMSO becomes hot and viscous in an LC system, so it can produce a harder pressure pulse on the inlet of the column. The column must be in the correct flow position in order to minimize mechanical stress on the packed bed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

See the application note on peptide isolation and use of DMSO in injection solvent with post-column addition to minimize peak shape and solubility problems:

Techniques for Improving the Isolation of Synthetic Peptides

id28265, Dimethyl sulfoxide, eluent

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