Rtx-20

Rtx-20 column

Restek Rtx-20 GC Columns

Restek Rtx-20 GC columns are mid-polarity columns designed to provide enhanced selectivity for analytes requiring stronger dipole and polarizability interactions than standard polysiloxane phases can deliver. Featuring a 20% trifluoropropyl, 80% dimethylpolysiloxane stationary phase, Rtx-20 columns offer unique retention characteristics ideal for separating halogenated compounds, polar industrial chemicals, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and complex semi-volatiles found in environmental and industrial workflows.

The trifluoropropyl functionality imparts increased polarity and stronger interactions with electronegative and dipolar analytes, enabling improved resolution of isomers, halocarbons, and acidic or electron-rich compounds. This selectivity makes Rtx-20 well suited for applications where Rtx-1, Rtx-5, or Rtx-1301 phases may not provide sufficient separation.

With robust deactivation chemistry, low bleed at elevated temperatures, and predictable retention behavior, Rtx-20 columns deliver reliable performance for GC and GC-MS workflows requiring mid- to high-polarity selectivity. Common applications include environmental testing, industrial QC, petrochemical analysis, solvent characterization, and profiling of low-polarity to moderately polar chemical mixtures.

As an authorized distributor of Restek products, Chrom Tech offers Rtx-20 columns in a variety of lengths, IDs, and film thicknesses to support both routine and specialized applications involving complex polar analytes and challenging separations.
Key Definitions ▸
20% Trifluoropropyl Phase
A stationary phase containing fluorinated propyl groups, providing stronger interactions with electronegative, halogenated, and polar compounds compared to standard dimethylpolysiloxane phases.
Fluorinated Phase Selectivity
Selectivity driven by fluorine-containing functional groups, allowing enhanced retention and separation of halocarbons, polar solvents, and compounds with strong dipole moments.
Halocarbon Separation
The process of isolating chlorinated, brominated, and fluorinated organic compounds—an area where Rtx-20 excels due to its increased polarity and fluorinated selectivity.
Dipole-Driven Retention
Retention influenced by molecular dipole interactions, improving resolution of polarizable and electron-withdrawing analytes such as ketones, nitro compounds, and polar industrial chemicals.
Rtx® Deactivation
Restek’s advanced surface treatment that reduces adsorption of polar analytes, ensuring improved peak shapes and more accurate quantitation in mid-polar and polar separations.
Frequently Asked Questions ▸
What types of analytes benefit most from Rtx-20 columns?
Halogenated compounds, polar industrial chemicals, FAMEs, nitro compounds, polar solvents, and analytes requiring enhanced dipole-based selectivity all benefit from the 20% trifluoropropyl phase.
Can Rtx-20 columns be used in GC-MS workflows?
Yes. Their low bleed and robust phase chemistry provide clean baselines, making them compatible with GC and GC-MS applications involving polar or fluorophilic analytes.
How does Rtx-20 differ from Rtx-1701 and Rtx-1301?
Rtx-20 provides stronger fluorinated and dipole interactions than 1301 and 1701, offering improved resolution for halocarbons, polar solvents, and fluorinated species where other mid-polar phases may underperform.
What industries commonly use Rtx-20 columns?
Environmental labs, chemical manufacturers, petrochemical facilities, industrial solvent testing labs, and food and fragrance researchers frequently use Rtx-20 for complex mid-polar separations.