DB-1701

Standard Polysiloxane GC Columns

Agilent J&W DB-1701 is a low- to mid-polarity GC column engineered with a (14% cyanopropyl-phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane stationary phase, offering enhanced selectivity for compounds that exhibit moderate polarity or require differentiated interaction from nonpolar phases. This makes DB-1701 highly versatile across environmental, industrial, and research laboratories needing improved resolution for challenging mixtures.

DB-1701 is particularly well suited for analyzing pesticides, herbicides, aroclors, and trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of sugars and related compounds. Its balanced polarity improves peak spacing and reduces coelution in complex matrices, making it an ideal choice for semivolatiles and chemically diverse analytes that require a higher level of selectivity than standard 5% phenyl phases can provide.

The column is bonded, crosslinked, and solvent-rinsable for long-term durability, low bleed, and repeatable performance under rigorous method conditions. DB-1701 is also available with DuraGuard—a built-in integrated guard column that protects the analytical column from contamination, extending lifetime and improving reliability for high-throughput GC workflows.

With its unique polarity and rugged construction, DB-1701 supports a wide range of GC and GC/MS applications requiring stable retention, clean baselines, and enhanced selectivity for moderately polar compounds.

Key Definitions ▸
(14% Cyanopropyl-Phenyl)-Methylpolysiloxane Phase
A stationary phase containing 14% cyanopropyl and phenyl functional groups blended into a methylpolysiloxane backbone. This chemistry produces low- to mid-polarity selectivity, enhancing the separation of moderately polar analytes such as pesticides, herbicides, and semivolatile compounds.
TMS Derivatives
Trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives are chemically modified analytes produced to enhance volatility and stability during GC analysis. DB-1701’s polarity helps effectively separate TMS derivatives of sugars and related compounds.
Aroclors
Commercial PCB mixtures historically used in industrial applications. Their complex and closely related structures require columns like DB-1701 that offer improved resolution of isomeric chlorinated compounds.
DuraGuard Integrated Guard Column
A factory-integrated guard column built into the analytical column. It traps nonvolatile contaminants and particulates, protecting the analytical phase, extending column lifetime, and improving long-term performance in high-throughput workflows.
Bonded and Crosslinked Construction
A chemically reinforced stationary-phase design that enhances thermal stability, minimizes bleed, and allows solvent rinsing without damage. This is essential for environmental and industrial analyses involving complex or dirty matrices.
Frequently Asked Questions ▸
What types of applications is DB-1701 best suited for?
DB-1701 is ideal for analyzing pesticides, herbicides, aroclors, and TMS derivatives of sugars and related substances. Its low- to mid-polarity chemistry enhances separation for compounds requiring more selectivity than nonpolar phases can provide.
Is DB-1701 compatible with GC/MS workflows?
Yes. The bonded and crosslinked design of DB-1701 results in low bleed and excellent thermal stability, making it fully compatible with GC/MS applications requiring high sensitivity and clean baselines.
What advantage does DB-1701 offer compared to DB-5 or DB-35 style columns?
DB-1701 provides higher polarity than DB-5-type phases and lower polarity than DB-35-type phases. This intermediate polarity improves the separation of moderately polar analytes such as chlorinated compounds, aromatic derivatives, pesticides, and TMS derivatives of sugars.
What is the benefit of choosing the DuraGuard version of DB-1701?
DuraGuard integrates a built-in guard column directly into the analytical column, trapping nonvolatile contaminants before they reach the analytical phase. This extends column life, improves reproducibility, and reduces downtime for maintenance—especially beneficial for high-throughput environmental and industrial testing.
Can DB-1701 be solvent rinsed?
Yes. DB-1701 is bonded, crosslinked, and solvent-rinsable, allowing analysts to remove contaminants from the column interior without stripping the stationary phase. This supports long-term stability and consistent performance in workflows involving dirty or moisture-sensitive samples.