HP-88

HP-88 column

Agilent HP-88 GC Columns

Agilent J&W HP-88 is a high-polarity GC column engineered specifically for the detailed separation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). Its highly selective cyanopropyl siloxane stationary phase delivers exceptional resolution of positional and geometric cis/trans isomers, supporting precise profiling of fatty acid composition in foods, nutritional supplements, oils, and agricultural products. HP-88 is widely used in AOAC, AOCS, and ISO methods where maximum isomer discrimination is essential for accuracy and regulatory compliance.

HP-88 offers nearly identical selectivity to CP-Sil 88—long recognized as a reference standard for FAME analysis—while providing higher allowable operating temperatures for increased flexibility, faster oven programs, and improved throughput. This enhanced thermal capability supports more efficient workflows without sacrificing the critical isomer resolution required for high-confidence quantitation.

Unlike bonded and crosslinked phases, HP-88 is not solvent-rinsable, making proper inlet maintenance and clean sample preparation especially important for maintaining long-term column performance. When handled appropriately, HP-88 delivers outstanding reproducibility, stable retention times, and the high-resolution separations needed for both routine quality control and advanced food chemistry applications.
Key Definitions ▸
HP-88
A high-polarity cyanopropyl siloxane GC column optimized for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) separations. HP-88 provides excellent cis/trans and positional isomer resolution for nutritional and regulatory fatty acid profiling.
Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs)
Derivatives of fatty acids prepared by methylation to improve volatility for GC analysis. FAME profiling is widely used in food labeling, nutritional research, authenticity testing, and quality control of oils and fats.
Cis/Trans Isomer Resolution
The ability of a GC column to separate geometric isomers of fatty acids. HP-88 provides strong discrimination of subtle isomeric differences, supporting accurate quantitation and detection of minor fatty acid species.
Non-Bonded Phase
A type of stationary phase that is not chemically bonded or crosslinked to the column’s silica surface. While suitable for high-resolution separations, non-bonded phases such as HP-88 are not solvent-rinsable and require careful sample preparation to ensure long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions ▸
Why is HP-88 widely used for FAME analysis?
HP-88 offers exceptional resolution of cis/trans and positional fatty acid isomers, making it ideal for regulatory methods and nutritional labeling. Its highly polar stationary phase provides detailed profiling of complex fatty acid mixtures.
How does HP-88 compare to CP-Sil 88?
Both columns offer nearly identical selectivity for FAME isomer resolution. HP-88, however, provides higher allowable operating temperatures, enabling faster oven programs and improved sample throughput while maintaining excellent separation performance.
Can HP-88 be solvent rinsed?
No. HP-88 is a non-bonded, non-crosslinked phase, meaning solvent rinsing is not recommended. Instead, proper inlet maintenance and use of clean samples help ensure long-term column stability and consistent performance.
What applications benefit most from HP-88?
HP-88 is ideal for food, nutrition, agricultural, and specialty oil testing. Its high resolving power supports fatty acid characterization, authenticity verification, nutritional labeling, and detection of minor or structurally similar fatty acid species.