Ultrafast reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separations: an overview

Ultrafast reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separations are often needed for analyses related to combinatorial chemistry, studies in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and other applications in which very rapid sample turnaround is paramount. Unfortunately, no consensus exists regarding the best column technology for optimally performing the desired rapid separations. This overview compares the advantages and limitations for columns of ultramicroporous, ultramicrononporous, and superficially porous particles and monolith structures for the very fast separation of solutes by reversed-phase HPLC. Data from literature and the author's laboratory are used to illustrate the strengths and limitations of the various approaches that can be used for ultrafast separations.