Ultra 1

Ultra 1 Column

Agilent Ultra 1 GC Columns

Agilent J&W Ultra 1 GC columns are high-precision, nonpolar columns engineered for demanding analytical workflows that require exceptional retention index reproducibility and ultra-consistent chromatographic behavior. Built on a 100% dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS) stationary phase, Ultra 1 columns deliver predictable boiling-point–driven separations and outstanding thermal stability, making them a trusted choice for both routine and advanced GC applications.

Compared to standard HP-1-type columns, Ultra 1 is manufactured to tighter specifications for retention indices and capacity factors. This enhanced performance ensures reliable compound identification and superior reproducibility across laboratories, instruments, and long running sequences. Ultra 1 columns are widely used for environmental volatiles, petrochemical fractions, industrial solvents, flavor and fragrance profiling, and a broad range of nonpolar and semi-volatile organic compounds.

With a broad operating temperature range of –60 to 325/350 Â°C, these columns excel in methods involving highly volatile analytes as well as elevated-temperature analyses requiring thermal endurance. Ultra 1 columns are also recommended for use with the Sadtler Retention Index Library, thanks to their precise retention index fidelity and stringent Agilent quality control processes.

Every Agilent Ultra 1 column is bonded, crosslinked, and solvent-rinsable—ensuring rugged durability, excellent inertness, and low bleed for optimal GC/MS performance. These engineering attributes deliver stable baselines, sharp peak shapes, and highly reliable quantitation, making the Ultra 1 family an outstanding solution for laboratories that require uncompromising reproducibility and trace-level detection capabilities.

Key Definitions â–¸
100% Dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS) Phase
A fully nonpolar stationary phase widely used in GC for boiling point–driven separations. PDMS phases deliver consistent retention behavior and broad applicability for both volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
Retention Index (RI) Fidelity
A measure of how consistently a GC column reproduces compound retention indices across instruments and conditions. Ultra 1 columns are manufactured to tighter RI tolerances, enabling accurate identification and consistent compound library matching.
Capacity Factor (k′)
A chromatographic parameter indicating how strongly analytes interact with the stationary phase. Ultra 1’s controlled manufacturing provides tighter capacity factor ranges, improving retention reproducibility for validation and regulated methods.
Sadtler Retention Index Library
A comprehensive retention index database used for compound identification. Ultra 1 columns are recommended for use with the Sadtler library due to their tight RI specifications, which ensure reliable correlation between predicted and measured RI values.
Bonded and Crosslinked
A manufacturing approach in which the stationary phase is chemically anchored to the inner wall of the column and reinforced through crosslinking. This increases temperature stability, allows solvent rinsing, and ensures long-term durability under aggressive GC conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¸
What makes Ultra 1 different from standard HP-1 type columns?
Ultra 1 offers similar nonpolar selectivity to HP-1 but is manufactured to much tighter specifications for retention index and capacity factors. This results in improved reproducibility, more reliable library matching, and greater analytical consistency across instruments and long-term sequences.
Which applications are best suited for Ultra 1 columns?
Ultra 1 is ideal for environmental volatiles, petrochemical fractions, industrial solvents, hydrocarbons, flavor and fragrance compounds, and general-purpose analysis. Its predictable boiling point–driven separations make it a versatile choice for both GC and GC/MS workflows.
Is Ultra 1 compatible with the Sadtler Retention Index Library?
Yes. Due to its tight retention index specifications and highly reproducible performance, Ultra 1 is recommended for methods that rely on Sadtler RI data or require strict retention index fidelity for compound identification.
Can Ultra 1 columns be used for GC/MS?
Absolutely. Ultra 1 offers low bleed, strong inertness, and excellent thermal stability, which support high mass spectral integrity, clean baselines, and improved sensitivity for trace-level nonpolar analytes.
What is the operating temperature range for Ultra 1 columns?
Ultra 1 supports an exceptionally wide range of –60 to 325/350 Â°C, enabling both low-temperature analysis of highly volatile compounds and high-temperature separations of more challenging semi-volatiles. This flexibility makes it highly suitable for diverse GC method requirements.