DB-HeavyWax

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) GC Columns

Agilent J&W DB-HeavyWAX is a high-temperature polyethylene glycol (PEG) column engineered for improved durability, faster throughput, and enhanced detection performance compared to traditional WAX phases. Designed to tolerate elevated operating temperatures up to 280 °C isothermal and 290 °C programmed, DB-HeavyWAX significantly expands method flexibility while maintaining excellent chromatographic stability.

The extended temperature capability enables shorter run times and faster elution of high-boiling analytes, reducing the overall cost per sample and increasing laboratory throughput. Even when operated at maximum temperatures, DB-HeavyWAX consistently delivers stable retention times and long column lifetime, making it ideal for high-productivity workflows in food, environmental, and industrial testing.

A key performance advantage of DB-HeavyWAX is the ability to perform high-temperature bake-out at the end of each run. This effectively removes heavy matrix components, reducing sample carryover, minimizing matrix-related degradation, and significantly lowering the risk of ghost peaks—critical for trace-level quantitation and method reliability.

In addition, the column’s very low bleed characteristics enhance signal-to-noise ratios and support lower limits of detection (LOD), particularly for late-eluting or thermally demanding analytes. With its high-temperature robustness, excellent stability, and outstanding sensitivity, DB-HeavyWAX is a superior choice for laboratories requiring WAX-type selectivity with the added performance of extended thermal endurance.

Key Definitions â–¸
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Phase
A polar stationary phase constructed from polyethylene glycol polymer chains. PEG-based phases such as HeavyWAX are widely used for separating alcohols, acids, esters, and other polar compounds due to strong hydrogen-bonding and dipole interactions.
High-Temperature WAX Column
A WAX-type GC column engineered to withstand significantly higher operating temperatures than standard PEG phases. DB-HeavyWAX supports 280 Â°C isothermal and 290 Â°C programmed operation, offering faster run times and improved elution of high-boiling analytes.
Bake-Out Procedure
A high-temperature cleaning step performed at the end of an analysis to remove sample residues and heavy matrix components. Bake-out reduces carryover, minimizes ghost peaks, and improves long-term column stability.
Column Bleed
The release of stationary-phase components at elevated temperatures, which contributes to baseline noise and reduced sensitivity. DB-HeavyWAX exhibits extremely low bleed, enabling better signal-to-noise ratios and lower detection limits for late-eluting compounds.
Extended Temperature Limit
Indicates that the column can operate at temperatures higher than traditional WAX phases. This capability accelerates analysis, improves elution of heavy compounds, and reduces the likelihood of matrix-induced performance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¸
What applications is DB-HeavyWAX best suited for?
DB-HeavyWAX is ideal for separating polar compounds such as alcohols, organic acids, esters, and flavor/fragrance components. Its high-temperature capability also makes it suitable for food analysis, environmental VOCs, industrial chemicals, and late-eluting compounds requiring elevated oven temperatures.
How is DB-HeavyWAX different from a standard WAX (PEG) column?
Unlike standard WAX columns, DB-HeavyWAX supports significantly higher maximum temperatures (up to 280 Â°C isothermal and 290 Â°C programmed). This allows faster analysis, improved elution of high-boiling analytes, extended column life, and the ability to perform high-temperature bake-out to remove heavy matrix components.
Can DB-HeavyWAX be used for GC/MS applications?
Yes. DB-HeavyWAX is engineered for very low bleed, providing improved signal-to-noise ratios and lower detection limits. This makes it well suited for GC/MS workflows, especially when analyzing thermally demanding or late-eluting polar compounds.
What is the benefit of the high-temperature bake-out capability?
High-temperature bake-out removes heavy matrix residues that can accumulate on the column. This reduces carryover, minimizes ghost peaks, improves long-term stability, and helps maintain retention time reproducibility across repeated analyses.
Does DB-HeavyWAX offer a longer column lifetime than standard PEG phases?
Yes. Its thermally stable PEG formulation and extended temperature capability help maintain structural integrity and performance even under demanding conditions. This results in longer usable column life and more consistent chromatographic performance over time.