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Raptor C18: Raptor Speed, Efficiency, and Ruggedness—in C18

24 Mar 2025

feature GNBR2246

With Raptor LC columns, Restek chemists became the first to combine the speed of 2.7 and 5 μm superficially porous particles (also known as SPP or “core-shell” particles) with the resolution of highly selective USLC technology, improving separations and speeding up analysis times with standard HPLC instruments. Raptor then evolved to bring that same improved speed, efficiency, and selectivity to UHPLC analyses by offering 1.8 μm particle columns. Learn more about Raptor LC columns at www.restek.com/raptor

Even though every LC lab has a cache of C18s, not all C18s are created equal. Because the chemistry tends to be similar, the silica support that carries this ubiquitous octadecylsilane phase becomes vitally important. When you need a general-purpose LC column, don’t just grab any C18. Choose the speed, efficiency, and long-lasting ruggedness of the Raptor C18 SPP LC column.

The traditional end-capped Raptor C18 offers the highest hydrophobic retention of any Raptor phase, and it is compatible with a wide range of mobile phases from moderately acidic to neutral (pH 2–8). Whether for food safety, environmental, or bioanalytical analyses, this phase offers consistently excellent data quality in less time across myriad reversed-phase applications, matrices, and compound classes.

Column Description:

article ligand gnbr2246b 01 1

Stationary Phase Category:

C18, octadecylsilane (L1)

Ligand Type:

End-capped C18

Particle:

1.8 μm, 2.7 μm, or 5 μm superficially porous particle (SPP or “core-shell” particle) silica

Pore Size:

90 Å

Surface Area:

125 m2/g (1.8 μm),
130 m2/g (2.7 μm),
or 100 m2/g (5 μm)

Recommended Usage:

pH Range: 2.0–8.0
Maximum Temperature: 80 °C
Maximum Pressure: 1034 bar/15,000 psi* (1.8 μm),
600 bar/8700 psi (2.7 μm); 400 bar/5800 psi (5 μm)
* For maximum lifetime, recommended maximum pressure for 1.8 μm particles is 830 bar/12,000 psi.

Properties:

  • Compatible with moderately acidic to neutral mobile phases (pH 2–8).
  • Excellent data quality in food, environmental, bioanalytical, and other applications.

Switch to a C18 when:

  • You need a general-purpose column for reversed-phase chromatography.
  • You need to increase retention of hydrophobic compounds.

Column Interaction Profile:

article profile gnbr2246b 01

Defining Solute Interactions:

  • Dispersion

Solute Retention Profile:

article graph gnbr2246b 01 1

Target Analyte Structures:

  • Hydrocarbons

Target Analyte Functionalities:

  • Hydrophobic compounds

Raptor C18 Performance: Speed, Efficiency, and Ruggedness in Action

Raptor C18 columns provide outstanding dependability and data quality with high efficiency and peak symmetry, and they are built to exacting specifications that make your columns exceptionally consistent and improve their lifetime. To lower costs and improve profitability, you need columns to last longer, data to be reproducible, and existing HPLC instrumentation to run faster. Get there with the only general-purpose C18 that gives you Selectivity Accelerated.

Figure 1: Comparing 50 mm x 2.1 mm sub-2 μm C18 columns, Raptor columns maintain reliable performance past 1000 injections, consistently matching or beating the competition.
article figure gnbr2246b 03

Figure 2: Raptor columns’ stringent quality control (QC) specifications guarantee outstanding peak shape, even with active compounds, for superior data quality.
Acidic Probes on Raptor™ C18

LC_GN0557

Peaks

PeakstR (min)Conc.
(mg/mL)
1.p-Tolunitrile1.6810.6
2.4-Butylbenzoic acid3.0880.8
3.3,4-Dimethylanisole4.0961.0
4.p-Xylene5.8270.4
5.Mefenamic acid6.5390.6

Conditions

ColumnRaptor™ C18 (cat.# 9304A1E)
Dimensions:100 mm x 3 mm ID
Particle Size:2.7 µm
Pore Size:90 Å
Temp.:30 °C
Standard/Sample
Diluent:Acetonitrile:water:phosphoric acid (65:34:1)
Inj. Vol.:1 µL
Mobile Phase
A:0.05% Formic acid in water
B:0.05% Formic acid in acetonitrile
Time (min)Flow (mL/min)%A%B
0.000.85545
8.000.85545
DetectorHPLC @ 220 nm
Cell Temp:40 °C

Figure 3: Lot-to-lot reproducibility is the key to keeping your productivity high and budget low. You can expect the same exceptional performance from every Raptor C18 column you purchase.
Chromatographic Overlay of 3 Silica Lots of Raptor™ C18

LC_PH0532

Conditions

ColumnRaptor™ C18 (cat.# 9304512)
Dimensions:100 mm x 2.1 mm ID
Particle Size:5 µm
Temp.:40 °C
Standard/Sample
Conc.:100 µg/mL in water
Inj. Vol.:1 µL
Mobile Phase
A:Water
B:Acetonitrile
Time (min)Flow (mL/min)%A%B
0.001.08020
2.001.02080
2.011.08020
3.501.08020
DetectorPDA @ 254 nm
InstrumentUHPLC

Boost Your Productivity with Raptor C18 LC Columns

When developing an assay, it is important to consider how productive your method will be. Because superficially porous, or “core-shell,” particles are well known for very high efficiency with minimal backpressure, they are ideal for decreasing analysis time (Figure 4). With its general-purpose applicability and SPP core-shell particles, the Raptor C18 column lets you quickly develop faster methods, thereby boosting your productivity.

Figure 4: SPP particles, like those in the Raptor C18 column, are one important step towards total method optimization.
Speed Comparison of Raptor C18 vs. FPP C18 for Raptor C18 Sales Sheet Figure 4

LC_PH0543

Peaks

PeaksRaptor C18 tR (min)Fully Porous C18 tR (min)
1.Methylparaben0.732.90
2.Ethylparaben1.013.77
3.Propylparaben1.275.34
4.Butylparaben1.508.03

Conditions

ColumnSee notes
Standard/SampleParabens
Conc.:100 µg/mL
Mobile Phase
Flow:1.0 mL/min
DetectorRaptor C18: PDA @ 254 nm; FPP C18: UV/Vis @ 254 nm
NotesRaptor C18
Column: Raptor C18 (cat.# 9304512); 100 mm x 2.1 mm ID, 5 µm
Temp.: 40 °C
Sample diluent: water
Inj. vol.: 1 µL
Mobile phase: A: water, B: acetonitrile
Gradient (%B): 0.00 min (20% B); 2.00 min (80% B); 2.01 min (20% B); 3.50 min (20% B)


Fully Porous Particle (FPP) C18
Column: traditional fully porous C18; 150 mm x 4.6 mm ID, 5 µm
Temp.: ambient
Sample diluent: methanol
Inj. vol.: 5 µL
Mobile phase: 0.1% acetic acid in water:acetonitrile (50:50)

Figure 5: Raptor C18s offer exceptional peak symmetry and efficiency for high sensitivity—making them ideal for high-throughput LC-MS/MS.
Flavonols on Raptor C18 by LC-MS/MS

LC_FF0557

Peaks

PeakstR (min)Precursor IonProduct Ion
1.Rutin1.04611.5303.3
2.Quercitrin1.19449.4303.3
3.Myricetin1.26319.3153.2
4.Fisetin1.27287.3137.3
5.Morin1.36303.3153.2
6.Quercetin1.48303.3153.2
7.Kaempferol1.68287.3153.2
8.Isorhamnetin1.72317.3153.2
9.Rhamnetin1.91317.3123.3
10.Galangin2.15271.3153.2

Conditions

ColumnRaptor C18 (cat.# 9304552)
Dimensions:50 mm x 2.1 mm ID
Particle Size:5 µm
Pore Size:90 Å
Temp.:40 °C
Standard/Sample
Diluent:90:10 (water:acetonitrile)
Conc.:500 ng/mL
Inj. Vol.:5 µL
Mobile Phase
A:0.1% Formic acid in water
B:0.1% Formic acid in acetonitrile
Time (min)Flow (mL/min)%A%B
0.000.59010
2.400.53070
2.410.59010
3.500.59010
DetectorMS/MS
Ion Mode:ESI+
InstrumentHPLC

Your Go-To LC Column for Fast and Dependable Analyses on Any Instrument

C18 columns are often a method developer’s first choice, not only for their trusted performance but also for their effectiveness with many types of compound and instrument. The Raptor C18 was designed to build on that foundation, offering usability, peak symmetry, efficiency, and dependability—with the unmatched reproducibility, speed, and reliability of a Raptor SPP LC column. Whether you are doing environmental, food safety, or bioanalytical work (Figures 5 and 6), you will finish your work faster if you choose the right column the first time. For general-purpose applications, the Raptor C18 is your best first choice.

Figure 6: Get the data quality and short analysis times you need with Raptor C18 columns, as shown here with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) on Raptor C18 (1.8 μm)

LC_EV0540

Peaks

PeakstR (min)Conc.
(ng/mL)
Precursor IonProduct Ion
1.Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)0.905213.07169.07
2.Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)1.835263.10219.11
3.Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS)2.095299.1079.99
4.1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)2.635327.10307.08
5.Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)2.705313.10269.12
6.Perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS)2.845349.1079.98
7.Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)3.335363.16319.09
8.Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)3.395399.1379.98
9.2-Perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid (FHEA)3.46250377.13293.07
10.1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)3.785427.17407.18
11.Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)3.815413.16369.10
12.Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS)3.845449.1779.98
13.Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)4.195463.16419.19
14.Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)4.215499.1779.98
15.2-Perfluorooctyl ethanoic acid (FOEA)4.31250477.17393.15
16.1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)4.515527.17507.16
17.Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)4.525513.17469.16
PeakstR (min)Conc.
(ng/mL)
Precursor IonProduct Ion
18.Perfluorononane sulfonic acid (PFNS)4.535549.1779.98
19.N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-MeFOSAA)4.665570.20419.17
20.Perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (PFDS)4.795599.1779.98
21.N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-EtFOSAA)4.795584.20419.18
22.Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA)4.795498.1777.97
23.Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)4.805563.23519.24
24.2-Perfluorodecyl ethanoic acid (FDEA)4.91250577.23493.18
25.Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)5.045613.23569.19
26.1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorododecane sulfonic acid (10:2 FTS)5.055627.23607.20
27.Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)5.255663.23619.21
28.N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-MeFOSA)5.315512.17169.07
29.N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol (N-MeFOSE)5.3150616.2759.11
30.Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA)5.445713.23669.23
31.N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (N-EtFOSA)5.475526.23169.06
32.N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol (N-EtFOSE)5.4750630.3359.11
33.Perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA)5.745813.30769.28
34.Perfluorooctadecanoic acid (PFODA)5.985913.30869.32

Conditions

ColumnRaptor C18 (cat.# 9304252)
Dimensions:50 mm x 2.1 mm ID
Particle Size:1.8 µm
Pore Size:90 Å
Temp.:40 °C
Standard/Sample
Diluent:80:20 Water:methanol
Conc.:5-250 ng/mL
Inj. Vol.:5 µL
Mobile Phase
A:5 mM Ammonium acetate in water
B:Methanol
Time (min)Flow (mL/min)%A%B
0.000.48020
6.000.4595
6.500.4595
6.510.48020
8.000.48020
DetectorMS/MS
Ion Mode:ESI-
Mode:MRM
InstrumentUHPLC
NotesWant even better performance when analyzing metal-sensitive compounds? Check out Inert LC columns at www.restek.com/inert.

The Perfect Complement to High-Throughput Mass Spec

Fast LC-MS/MS screens with their exacting retention time windows place severe demands on your LC column. The Raptor C18 can easily and dependably handle mass spec analysis of closely related compounds like macrolide antibiotics, which are widely used in human and veterinary medicine (Figure 7). Because it’s a Raptor LC column, this C18 provides the reproducibility and consistent retention required for precise MRM analyses.

Figure 7: Confidently analyze closely eluting compounds, like macrolide antibiotics in this bioanalytical analysis, by LC-MS/MS.
Macrolide Antibiotics on Raptor C18 by LC-MS/MS

LC_CF0600

Peaks

PeakstR (min)Precursor IonProduct Ion
1.Spiramycin1.32844.21174.28
2.Azithromycin1.33750.14591.83
3.Dirithromycin1.52836.26158.23
4.Tilmicosin1.58870.23174.29
5.Erythromycin1.87735.09158.23
6.Tylosin1.98917.26174.28
7.Clarithromycin2.22749.11158.22
8.Roxithromycin2.26838.21158.23
9.Josamycin2.40829.15109.18

Conditions

ColumnRaptor C18 (cat.# 9304512)
Dimensions:100 mm x 2.1 mm ID
Particle Size:5 µm
Pore Size:90 Å
Temp.:40 °C
Standard/Sample
Diluent:Water:acetonitrile (50:50)
Conc.:100 ng/mL
Inj. Vol.:5 µL
Mobile Phase
A:0.1% Formic acid in water
B:0.1% Formic acid in acetonitrile
Time (min)Flow (mL/min)%A%B
0.000.48020
3.000.43565
3.010.48020
4.500.48020
DetectorMS/MS
Ion Mode:ESI+
InstrumentUHPLC
NotesWant even better performance when analyzing metal-sensitive compounds? Check out Inert LC columns at www.restek.com/inert.

Improve Resolution on Your Current Methods

To quickly improve your data quality, add a Raptor C18 SPP column to your existing C18 methods. As exemplified in Figure 8 with EPA method TO-11A, which determines toxic compounds in ambient air, the Raptor C18 offers better peak separation than a traditional fully porous C18.

Figure 8: Make a good method even better with improved resolution by switching your traditional fully porous C18 for a Raptor C18 column.
Resolution Comparison of Raptor C18 vs. FPP C18 for Raptor C18 Sales Sheet Figure 8

LC_EV0587

Peaks

PeaksRaptor C18 tR (min)Fully Porous C18 tR (min)
1.Formaldehyde2.8141.954
2.Acetaldehyde3.5512.376
3.Acrolein4.6782.884
4.Acetone4.8772.987
5.Propionaldehyde5.0783.190
6.Crotonaldehyde6.3613.777
7.Butyraldehyde6.8184.273
PeaksRaptor C18 tR (min)Fully Porous C18 tR (min)
8.Benzaldehyde7.8844.653
9.Isovaleraldehyde8.2765.572
10.Valeraldehyde8.6535.919
11.o-Tolualdehyde9.5026.242
12.m-Tolualdehyde9.6676.454
13.p-Tolualdehyde9.8256.634
14.Hexanal10.2878.450
15.2,5-Dimethylbenzaldehyde11.0648.715

Conditions

ColumnSee notes
Standard/SampleAldehyde-ketone-DNPH TO-11A calibration mix (cat.# 31808)
Diluent:Acetonitrile
Conc.:15 µg/mL
Mobile Phase
Flow:0.8-1.5 mL/min
DetectorRaptor C18: UV/Vis @ 365, 4.8 nm; FPP C18: UV/Vis @ 365, 1 nm
NotesRaptor C18
Column: Raptor C18 (cat.# 9304A65); 150 mm x 4.6 mm ID, 2.7 µm
Temp.: 30 °C
Inj. vol.: 2 µL
Mobile phase: A: water, B: methanol:acetonitrile (650:50)*
Gradient (%B): 0.00 min (70% B); 5.00 min (75% B); 11.00 min (90% B); 11.01 min (100% B); 12.00 min (100% B); 12.01 min (70% B); 14.00 min (70% B)
Flow: 0.8 mL/min
Notes: *Mobile phase B was prepared by combining 650 mL methanol and 50 mL acetonitrile.

Fully Porous Particle (FPP) C18
Column: Fully porous C18; 150 mm x 4.6 mm ID, 5 µm
Temp.: 25 °C
Inj. vol.: 10 µL
Mobile phase: water:acetonitrile (30:70)
Flow: 1.5 mL/min

Learn more at www.restek.com/inert

teaser product lc columns inert lc 02

Author

  • Restek Corporation

    Restek is a leading provider of chromatography columns, accessories, and certified reference materials. Trust Restek for reliable, high-quality analytical solutions.

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GNBR2246
Version: E