Rxi-XLB

Rxi-XLB Column

Restek Rxi-XLB GC Columns

Restek Rxi-XLB GC columns are engineered to deliver exceptionally low bleed and superior inertness for the most demanding GC-MS workflows. Designed specifically for applications requiring extremely clean chromatographic backgrounds—such as trace-level environmental monitoring, food safety testing, toxicological analysis, and forensic investigations—Rxi-XLB columns provide outstanding sensitivity and consistency across extended temperature ranges.

The proprietary Rxi® deactivation technology applied to the XLB (Extra Low Bleed) phase minimizes stationary-phase bleed, even under aggressive high-temperature conditions. This results in cleaner mass spectra, improved signal-to-noise ratios, and more accurate identification of trace analytes. Analysts working with pesticides, semi-volatiles, PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, pharmaceuticals, and other low-level target compounds benefit from the enhanced clarity and reproducibility that Rxi-XLB columns deliver.

As an authorized distributor of Restek products, Chrom Tech offers Rxi-XLB columns in a full range of dimensions to meet regulatory and application requirements, including U.S. EPA methods for SVOCs, 500/600 series methods for drinking water, and forensic toxicology workflows that require the highest possible analytical sensitivity. Their inert, robust construction ensures stable retention times, excellent peak shapes, and consistent performance across long-term use.

With their combination of extreme low bleed, high inertness, and rugged thermal stability, Rxi-XLB GC columns provide a reliable and sensitive platform for laboratories that demand uncompromising performance in GC and GC-MS analysis.
Key Definitions ▸
XLB (Extra Low Bleed) Phase
A high-performance stationary phase engineered to minimize column bleed, even under elevated temperatures. This results in cleaner baselines and improved mass-spectral sensitivity, especially important for trace-level GC-MS applications.
Rxi® Deactivation Technology
Restek’s proprietary deactivation process that reduces analyte adsorption and enhances peak shape for active, polar, or thermally sensitive compounds. It ensures highly reproducible performance across methods and instruments.
GC-MS Sensitivity
A measure of how effectively a GC-MS system detects low-level analytes. Low-bleed columns such as Rxi-XLB reduce background noise, increasing signal-to-noise ratios and improving mass-spectral detection limits.
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)
A broad class of organic contaminants including pesticides, PAHs, phenols, and phthalates. SVOCs require stable, inert, low-bleed columns to achieve accurate quantitation at trace levels, making Rxi-XLB a preferred choice.
EPA 500/600 Series Methods
Standard environmental testing protocols for drinking water and wastewater analysis. Rxi-XLB columns provide the low bleed, high inertness, and sensitivity necessary for meeting these rigorous method requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions ▸
What makes the Rxi-XLB column ideal for GC-MS applications?
The Rxi-XLB phase provides exceptionally low bleed, resulting in cleaner mass spectra, higher sensitivity, and improved detection limits. This is especially important for trace-level analysis of pesticides, SVOCs, PAHs, and other complex mixtures.
How does Rxi-XLB compare to other low-bleed GC columns?
While many low-bleed columns perform well at moderate temperatures, Rxi-XLB maintains ultra-low bleed even under aggressive high-temperature programming. This provides longer column life, more stable retention times, and consistently clean MS performance.
Which applications benefit most from the Rxi-XLB column?
Environmental SVOC methods, pesticide analysis, drinking-water testing (EPA 500/600 series), forensics, toxicology, PAH profiling, and high-sensitivity GC-MS workflows all benefit from the excellent inertness and extremely low bleed of Rxi-XLB columns.
Does the Rxi-XLB column require special installation or conditioning?
No. Rxi-XLB columns install like any standard capillary GC column. Restek recommends a standard conditioning procedure to achieve optimal low-bleed performance, especially before GC-MS analysis.