Greener workflows can be accomplished by various parameters: working more energy efficiently, using less or no organic and toxic solvents, choosing more environmentally friendly solvents, trying to use renewable resources, reducing sample treatment, or using multi-methods. In a multi-method, more components can be analyzed in one run, which not only saves money but also minimizes organic waste and energy costs. Several approaches may be easily implemented in each lab without extra costs. Getting into green analytics, entrenched habits can sometimes make our work harder and more expensive.
Already, during method development, valuable instrument uptime, energy, organic solvents, and waste can be saved using no-cost virtual method development tools called “Pro EZLC Chromatogram Modeler” and “Pro EZLC Method Translator.” Both utilities save time, energy, and instrument uptime as you can develop or adapt your method without setting foot in the lab. Additionally, with the Pro EZLC Method Translator, you can check how to modernize your old methods (by using, e.g., a smaller inner diameter of your analytical column), maintain elution orders, and simultaneously see how much organic waste you save.
The development of a multimethod is challenging, but it can save instrument uptime and minimize organic waste and energy costs. The more components that are to be analyzed in one run, the more functionalities and reactivities come into play. Nowadays, also polar components become increasingly important. The right selectivity is crucial for success. As the C18 and all its variations (polar-embedded, sterically hindered, polymeric, etc.) are slowly reaching their limits, an alternative and more versatile stationary phase is gaining more and more attention. The Biphenyl separation phase retains an enhanced range of analytes via π, π- and hydrophobic interactions and is therefore perfectly suited for multimethods, as will be shown with several examples. Furthermore, we will show that various methods previously done with different kinds of C18 columns can all be realized on one Biphenyl column, which minimizes errors in daily routine and can reduce material costs. Towards the goal of a greener workflow in analytical chemistry, every small step done in every lab can help to save our environment.
