Restek Rtx Fused Silica Columns

Rugged and Cost-Effective, Rtx GC Columns First Established Restek
as a Leader in Advanced GC Fused Silica Technology

The Rtx Fused Silica Columns are general purpose columns for standard, simple,and easy analysis. They are rugged and cost effective.

In 1985 Restek’s original Rtx columns were born and are known to be one of the best fused silica column lines on the market.
They continue to improve the line, as evidenced by the lower bleed and improved ruggedness that these columns now exhibit.

Chemically Bonded Capillary Columns

• Allow for direct solvent injection onto column.

• Columns can be solvent rinsed.

Comprehensive GC Column Selection

• Available in many dimensions, including variations in length, internal diameter, and film thickness.

• Internal diameters include 0.10mm and 0.18mm for faster analysis time and higher resolution power.

Broad Range of Stationary Phases

• Columns based on polysiloxane backbone; functional groups added to the polymers to vary selectivity.

• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) phases.

The Rtx line of chemically bonded capillary columns includes many popular phases and configurations:

Rtx-1, 1301, 1614, 1701, 20, 200, 200MS, 225, 2330, 2887, 35, 35 Amine, 440, 5, 5 Amine, 5ms, 50, 502.2, 624, 65, 65TG, BAC, Biodiesel TG, CLPesticides, DHA, Dioxin2, Mineral Oil, OPPesticides, PCB, VMS, Volatile Amines, Volatiles, VRX and Wax columns.

Which Rtx Column is Right For My Analysis?

Below we have listed the available Rtx columns and a summary of their primary usage.

Rtx-1 Column

These columns have a nonpolar stationary phase (100% dimethyl polysiloxane). Since this is a nonpolar phase, retention and selectivity for extremely polar analytes will not be as good as on more polar phases, such as wax columns. Columns with 1-type phases may differ slightly in temperature limitations, inertness, and selectivity due to optimization of the column chemistry. In general, these nonpolar stationary phases are used for applications such as analysis of volatiles, oxygenates, sulfurs, fire debris components, derivatized steroid hormones, solvents, detailed hydrocarbons, crude oil, and tarballs.

General-purpose columns for solvent impurities, arson accelerants, fuels, natural gas odorants, sulfur compounds, essential oils, hydrocarbons, volatile organics, fragrances, and oxygenates.

Rtx-1301 Column

These columns have been toted to have the best cyanosiloxane bonded stationary phase available, with no other column manufacturer providing lower bleed, longer lifetime, or better inertness. Their polymer is fully characterized to ensure long-term reproducibility, column-to-column consistency, and low bleed—even with sensitive detectors such as ECDs and MSDs.

General-purpose columns for alcohols, beverages, residual solvents and volatile organic compounds.

Rtx-1614 Column

This column s optimized for PBDE analysis by EPA Method 1614

Short column option resolves BDE-209 3 times faster, with less thermal breakdown.
Unique deactivation gives higher BDE-209 response than competitor columns for greater analytical sensitivity.
Exceeds EPA Method 1614 resolution criteria for BDE-49 and BDE-71.

Rtx-1701 Column

This is one of the more popular stationary phases used in capillary GC. The mix of cyano and phenyl functional groups increases the polarity and offers a different elution order relative to less polar Rtx-1 or Rtx-5 columns. An Rtx-1701 column is ideal for confirmation analysis in combination with an Rtx-35 or Rtx-5 column. The polymer is fully characterized to ensure long-term reproducibility, column-to-column consistency, and low bleed, even with sensitive detectors such as ECDs and MSDs.

General-purpose columns for solvents, pesticides, pharmaceutical, and fragrance compounds.
Equivalent to USP G46 phase.

Rtx-20 Column

The polymer in this column is synthesized to exacting standards. All residual catalysts and low molecular weight fragments are removed from the polymer, providing a tight monomodal distribution and extremely low bleed.

General-purpose columns for volatile compounds, flavor compounds, alcoholic beverages.

Rtx-200 Column

These columns boast stable overall column chemistry, which provides consistent GC column performance. The trifluoropropylmethyl polysiloxane stationary phase has a unique selectivity that changes elution orders and separates compounds that other midpolarity phases cannot. Many analysts consider these the most versatile midpolarity columns available.

Unique polymer composition provides excellent retention and separation of a broad range of polar compounds, such as solvents, chlorofluorocarbons, alcohols, ketones, silanes, and siloxanes.

Rtx-200MS Column

These columns are specifically tested for low-bleed performance.

Rtx-225 Column

This column's cyanopropyl-containing phase is slightly less polar than bonded polyethylene glycol (PEG) phases, but it can be used for many of the same applications.

General-purpose columns for FAMEs, carbohydrates, sterols, flavor compounds, and sugars.
Equivalent to USP G7, G19 phases.

Rtx-2330 Column

This is one of the most polar capillary column stationary phases. Cyano groups on both sides of the polymer backbone give the phase a strong dipole moment and high selectivity for cis/trans compounds or compounds with conjugated double bonds. Highly polar columns typically exhibit poor column efficiencies, high bleed, and short column lifetimes when thermally cycled. To overcome some of these problems, they developed a surface treatment that is more compatible with the Rtx-2330 phase. In addition, their improved polymer produces columns with better column efficiency and lower bleed.

General-purpose columns for cis/trans FAMEs, dioxin isomers.

Rtx-2887 Column

This column's stationary phase, column dimensions, and film thickness have been optimized to exceed the resolution and skewing factor requirements specified in ASTM Method D2887. Each column is individually tested to guarantee a stable baseline with low bleed and reproducible retention times. The Crossbond methyl silicone stationary phase has increased stability compared to packed columns, ensuring stable baselines and shorter conditioning times.

Application-specific column for ASTM Method D2887 for simulated distillation.
Rtx-2887 and MXT-2887 are Restek's Capillary GC Columns for Simulated Distillation of Petroleum Fractions

Rtx-35 Column

This is a popular confirmation column for pesticides and herbicides in conjunction with an Rtx-5 or Rtx-1701 column. The higher phenyl content causes useful elution order and retention time changes.

General-purpose columns for organochlorine pesticides, herbicides, and clinical toxicology.

Rtx-35 Amine Column

These columns analyze active basic compounds that otherwise require derivatization, or an alternative analytical technique. The tubing surface is chemically altered to reduce tailing of basic compounds, eliminating the need for column priming. An Rtx-35 Amine column is ideal for analyzing a wide variety of basic compounds, but breakthrough technology also allows the analysis of neutral compounds and adsorptive compounds with oxygen groups susceptible to hydrogen bonding. Every Rtx-35 Amine column is tested to ensure that it meets the requirements for analyzing ppm levels of amines, without priming, and to ensure low bleed at maximum operating temperature.

Note: Restek recommends using base-deactivated fused silica guard columns and Topaz liners with Rtx-35 Amine columns.

Application-specific columns for amines and other basic compounds, including alkylamines, diamines, triamines, ethanolamines, and nitrogen-containing
heterocyclics.

Rtx-440 Column

This is an overall good choice for analyzing a variety of compounds, such as phthalates, PAHs, herbicides and other semivolatiles. The high performance of this column makes it ideal for fast analysis of both regulated phthalates and an extended list. With good resolution; high maximum operating temperatures (340 °C); and minimum phase bleed, the Rtx-440 is an excellent choice for phthalate GC-MS analysis. A dual-column set, including the Rtx-440 as the primary column and the Rxi-35Sil MS as the secondary column, is recommended if GC-ECD is used instead of GC-MS.

General-purpose columns with unique selectivity for pesticides, PAHs, or other semivolatiles.
Particularly suited for phthalates analysis.
Ideal for low/trace-level analyses.
Low-bleed, high-efficiency columns with unique selectivity.

Rtx-5 Column

This column's diphenyl dimethyl polysiloxane stationary phase is the most popular GC stationary phase and is used in a wide variety of applications. All residual catalysts and low molecular weight fragments are removed from the Rtx-5 polymer, providing a tight monomodal distribution and extremely low bleed.

General-purpose columns for drugs, solvent impurities, pesticides, hydrocarbons, PCB congeners (e.g., Aroclor mixes), essential oils, semivolatiles.
Equivalent to USP G27 and G36 phases.

Rtx-5 Amine Column

This column is ideal for analyzing a wide variety of basic compounds, but breakthrough technology also allows the analysis of neutral compounds, adsorptive compounds with oxygen groups susceptible to hydrogen bonding, or even weakly acidic compounds such as phenols. Every Rtx-5 Amine column is tested to ensure that it exceeds the requirements for analyzing ppm levels of amines, without priming, and to ensure low bleed at maximum operating temperature.

Application-specific columns for amines and other basic compounds, including alkylamines, diamines, triamines, ethanolamines, and nitrogen-containing
heterocyclics.
It is recommended to use base-deactivated fused silica guard columns and Topaz liners with Rtx-5 Amine columns.

Rtx-50 Column

These columns' high thermal stability makes dual-column analysis possible with common phases such as Rtx-1 or Rtx-5ms.

General-purpose columns for pesticides, herbicides, and phthalate esters.
Equivalent to USP G3 phase.

Rtx-502.2 Column

This column will enable you to quantify all compounds listed in U.S. EPA methods 502.2 or 524.2, whether you use a mass spectrometer or a PID in tandem with an ELCD. The diphenyl/dimethyl polysiloxane based Rtx-502.2 stationary phase provides low bleed and thermal stability to 270 °C. A 105-meter column can separate the light gases specified in EPA methods without sub ambient cooling. Narrow-bore columns can interface directly in GC/MS systems.

Application-specific columns with unique selectivity for volatile organic compounds. The Rtx-502.2 column is cited in U.S. EPA Method 502.2 and in many
gasoline range organics (GRO) methods for monitoring underground storage tanks.
Excellent separation of trihalomethanes; ideal polarity for light hydrocarbons and aromatics.

Rtx-5ms Column

These columns are coated with a 5% diphenyl/95% dimethyl polysiloxane phase and are tested to rigorous specifications for low bleed and high inertness. They have polarity identical to Rtx-5 columns but exhibit lower bleed.

General purpose columns for drugs, solvent impurities, pesticides, hydrocarbons, PCB congeners (e.g., Aroclor mixes), essential oils, semivolatiles.
Column specifically tested for low-bleed performance.

Rtx-624 Column

This column with it's unique polarity makes it ideal for analyzing volatile organic compounds. The Rtx-624 column offers better resolution of early eluting compounds and produces greater than 90% resolution of the first six gases in EPA Methods 8260 and 524.2.

Application-specific columns for volatile organic compounds. Recommended in U.S. EPA methods for volatile organic compounds.

Rtx-65 Column

This column phase contains the highest phenyl content of any bonded stationary phase available to improve separation of aromatic compounds through increased phase-analyte interaction. A unique polarity makes these columns ideal for a variety of analyses, from phenols to FAMEs. As a confirmation column for EPA Method 604 phenols, an Rtx-65 column produces a different elution order compared to the primary Rtx-5 column. Rtx-65 columns elute FAMEs according to equivalent chain length, similar to bonded Carbowax columns, but the Rtx-65 phase does not suffer the thermal stability limitations of other polar stationary phases.

General-purpose columns for phenols, fatty acids, triglycerides.

Rtx-65TG Column

This column phase resolves triglycerides by degree of unsaturation as well as by carbon number.

Application-specific columns, specially tested for triglycerides.

Rtx-BAC Column

These columns separate to baseline all blood alcohol compounds in blood, breath, or urine, in less than 3 minutes, under isothermal conditions. Isothermal analysis increases productivity by eliminating the need for oven cycling. Confirmation is easily achieved with this tandem set because there are four elution order changes between the two columns.

Application-specific columns for blood alcohol analysis—achieve baseline resolution in less than 3 minutes. Also excellent for abused inhalant anesthetics,
γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)/γ-butyrolactone (GBL), glycols, and common industrial solvents.

Rtx-Biodiesel TG Column

This GC Column is ideal for glycerin and glycerides analysis, according to ASTM D6584 and EN 14105 methods.

Rtx-CLPesticides Column

These columns are specially designed to overcome the coelutions and analyte breakdown typically encountered in chlorinated pesticide analyses for EPA Methods 8081, 608, and CLP. By achieving baseline resolution of the 20 target analytes, more accurate qualitative data can be obtained, providing reliable identification without GC-MS.

Column bleed, measured by ECD, is extremely low at temperatures up to 340 °C, which is critical for baking-out the column to remove high-boiling compounds commonly found in pesticide/PCB extracts. An analysis time of less than 10 minutes improves throughput compared to other stationary phases.

Note: Analyzing dirty or derivatized samples can contaminate your column. Restek does not recommend analyzing trace-level pesticide samples following derivatized samples (e.g., Methods 8151A and 552.2) without first performing inlet maintenance. Standard steps include trimming the guard column and changing the inlet liner, O-ring, seal, and septum.

Application-specific columns for organochlorine pesticides and herbicides.
Analyze EPA Method 8081B, 8082A, 8151A, 504.1, 515, 508.1, and 552.2 compounds without time-consuming column changes.
Low bleed – ideal for high sensitivity GC-ECD or GC-MS analyses.
Baseline separations in less than 10 minutes.

Rtx-DHA Column

These columns are ideal for DHA methods and easily meet or exceed both ASTM D6730-01 and Canadian General Standards Board CAN/CGSB 3.0 No. 14.3-99 requirements. Every Rtx-DHA column is tested for retention, efficiency, stationary phase selectivity, and bleed – guaranteeing reproducible column-to-column performance.

Columns meet or exceed all ASTM D6730-01 and CAN/CGSB 3.0 No. 14.3-99 method guidelines; test report for method D6730 supplied with each column.

Rtx-Dioxin2 Column

These columns have a much higher temperature stability compared to other confirmation columns and provide isomer specificity for both 2,3,7,8 substituted tetrachloro dioxins and furans. Thermal stability up to 340 °C allows faster analysis times and ensures low bleed. Exceptional resolution of both 2,3,7,8-TCDF
and 2,3,7,8-TCDD from other potentially interfering congeners improves accuracy and reduces the need for time-consuming resolution check calculations.

Isomer specificity for 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 2,3,7,8-TCDF achieved with one GC column.
Thermally stable to 340 °C for longer lifetime.
Unique selectivity for toxic dioxin and furan congeners allows use as a confirmation GC column.

Rtx-Mineral Oil Column

This column's stationary phase and column dimensions were optimized for the fast screening of mineral oils in extracts from solids and water samples according to DIN EN ISO 9377-2:2000. The 0.10 µm column is the gold standard for the method, whereas the 0.15 µm column provides more complete separation of C10 from the solvent peak when large injection volumes are used. Compared with common industry solutions, the unique surface bonding of the Rtx-Mineral Oil column ensures long column lifetime, even at higher temperatures. These unique columns can be used at temperatures ranging from 380 °C (isothermal) to 400 °C (programmable), and each column is tested individually for bleed to ensure exceptional performance at these extreme conditions.

Application specific columns meet DIN EN ISO 9377-2:2000 requirements.
Optimized column dimensions for fast mineral oil screening.
Surface linked phase guarantees long lifetime, robustness, and stability to 400 °C.

Rtx-OPPesticides/Rtx-OPPesticides2 Column

These columns were created using sophisticated computer modeling software. Restek created two stationary phases for separating the 53 organophosphorus pesticides (OPP) listed in EPA Method 8141. Separation is improved and analysis time is significantly reduced, compared to other columns. The extended upper temperature limit of these phases (330/340 °C) allows analysts to bake out high molecular weight contamination typically associated with pesticide samples.
The low-bleed columns are a perfect match for sensitive detection systems.

Application-specific columns for organophosphorus pesticides; best column combination for U.S. EPA Method 8141.
Low bleed – ideal for GC-FPD, GC-NPD, or GC-MS analyses.

Rtx-PCB Column

Unique polymer for PCBs analysis by GC-ECD or GC-MS.
Low polarity; inert to active compounds.

Rtx-VMS Column

These columns boast optimized selectivity and overall faster analysis for separating volatile organic compounds, such as those listed in U.S. EPA Method 8260. The Rtx-VMS offers stable overall column chemistry, providing outstanding analysis of volatile compounds in combination with sensitive ion traps and mass spectrometers. The Rtx-VMS is supported by Pro EZGC libraries, making method development easier and less time-consuming.

Unique, proprietary polymer designed for excellent retention and better separation of volatile organic compounds.
Application-specific columns ideal for analyzing volatile organic pollutants by GC-MS including methods TO-15, EPA 524, EPA 8260, trimethylsilanol,
cleaning solvents, and e-cigarette vapor.
Complete separation of U.S. EPA Method 8260 compounds in less than 10 minutes.
Rtx^®-VMS faster analyses. Faster cycle times. Better resolution of listed and unlisted analytes.

Rtx-Volatile Amine Column

This column was designed specifically for analyzing volatile amines in difficult matrices, such as water. The unique base deactivation creates an exceptionally inert surface for these sensitive compounds, resulting in highly symmetrical peaks, which allow low detection limits. The stable bonded phase yields a column that is not only retentive and highly selective for these compounds but is also very robust and able to withstand repeated water injections. Comparisons made by customers performing routine volatile amine applications have shown the Rtx-Volatile Amine column outperforms other amine-specific columns, especially for peak shape and lifetime. Each Rtx-Volatile Amine column is held to stringent quality specifications and tested with a specially designed test mix that includes basic compounds to ensure exceptional inertness, reliability, and reproducibility. These qualities assure consistent performance and make the Rtx-Volatile Amine column the best choice for volatile amines analysis.

Unique selectivity for baseline resolution of all volatile amines.
Excellent inertness assures accuracy and sensitivity for volatile amines, including free ammonia.
Highly robust phase withstands repeated water injections, resulting in longer column lifetime.
High temperature stability (290 °C) ensures elution of amines up to C16 and allows contaminants to be removed by "baking out" the column.
It is recommended to use base-deactivated fused silica guard columns and Topaz liners with Rtx-Volatile Amine columns.

Rtx-Volatiles Column

These columns were the first columns designed specifically for analyses of the 34 volatile organic pollutants listed in U.S. EPA methods 601, 602, and 624.
With these columns, you can quantify all compounds listed in these methods, whether you use a mass spectrometer or a PID in tandem with an ELCD. The diphenyl/dimethyl polysiloxane based Rtx-Volatiles stationary phase provides low bleed and thermal stability to 280 °C. Narrow-bore columns can interface directly in GC/MS systems.

Application-specific columns for volatile organic compounds.
Can be used for alcohols and solvents.

Rtx-VRX Column

This column's stationary phase and optimized column dimensions provide low bleed, excellent resolution, and fast analysis times for volatile compounds.

Application-specific columns for volatile organic pollutants.
Excellent for U.S. EPA Method 8021 compounds.

Rtx-Wax Column

These columns are the most inert and efficient PEG columns currently available. The extended operating temperature range allows analysis of compounds having a wide volatility range and ensures low bleed at temperatures as high as 250 °C. Selectivity is comparable to other Carbowax columns for compounds of intermediate to high polarity.

Best polyethylene glycol (PEG) phase for alkenols, glycols, and aldehydes.
Equivalent to USP G14, G15, G16, G20, G39 phases.

To Learn More About the Restek Products View Their Catalogue.

Still Have Questions?

You can give us a call or email us and we can find the right Fused Silica GC Column product number for your application. It's our pleasure to help you and it's free!

1-800-267-8103 or tech@chromspec.com