Can UV-Vis detection be used with THF solvent? - WKB230414

ENVIRONMENT

• UV detector
• UV absorbance
• THF
• Solvent compatibility

ANSWER

The initial answer is yes; HPLC-grade THF can be used with UV detection, with some caveats:

1) Although the UV cutoff is approximately 212-215 nm, THF can contain stabilizers that absorb UV wavelengths and can raise the background. To avoid this, use unstabilized THF.

2) Unstabilized THF can more quickly form peroxides, which will also increase the background noise. To reduce this, change out the solvent more quickly.

3) THF will form an oxygen-solvent complex that can shift the UV response and create baseline drift. To reduce this affect, it is recommended that a degasser be available .

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

When using THF for the first time, verify that the wetted surfaces of the GPC, HPLC, UPLC, or UHPLC system are compatible with the solvent; damage to system components can result if the system is not set up to run high concentrations of THF.