Cadenza CD-C18

Imtakt Cadenza CD-C18 HPLC Columns

  • Unique high ligand density for exceptional steric selectivity
  • High-efficiency 3 µm particles with naturally low backpressure
  • Outstanding performance for impurity profiling and isomer resolution
  • Ideal selectivity for small-molecule pharmaceuticals and drugs-of-abuse analysis

The Imtakt Cadenza CD-C18 is a next-generation C18 column designed for applications requiring high steric selectivity, molecular recognition, and precise separation of structurally similar compounds. Its engineered ligand density creates a highly selective reversed-phase environment, giving analysts powerful control over separations involving isomers, positional variants, and compounds prone to co-elution on conventional C18 columns.

Cadenza CD-C18 uses advanced polar end-capping technology to provide superior shielding of surface silanols, reducing secondary interactions and improving peak shape—even for basic or highly polar analytes. This combination of dense C18 bonding and enhanced surface coverage delivers a unique selectivity profile ideally suited for impurity testing, method development, pharmaceutical QC, and challenging small-molecule separations.

Key Definitions ▸
Steric Selectivity
The ability of a stationary phase to distinguish between analytes based on their three-dimensional structure. High steric selectivity is especially effective for resolving isomers and closely related small molecules.
Ligand Density
The concentration of bonded-phase C18 groups on the silica surface. Higher ligand density increases hydrophobic interaction strength and enhances selectivity for shape- and structure-dependent separations.
Polar End-Capping
A surface modification technology that masks residual silanol groups with polar moieties, reducing secondary interactions and improving peak shape for basic and polar analytes.
Impurity Profiling
The analytical process of identifying and quantifying trace impurities within pharmaceutical or chemical products. Columns with high steric and molecular-recognition selectivity, such as Cadenza CD-C18, are ideal for this task.
Isomer Separation
The chromatographic resolution of molecules with identical formulas but different structural arrangements. The CD-C18’s engineered surface chemistry provides superior molecular recognition for challenging isomeric mixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions ▸

What makes the Cadenza CD-C18 ideal for isomer and impurity separations?

Its high ligand density and engineered steric selectivity allow the CD-C18 to differentiate molecules based on subtle structural differences, making it highly effective for separating isomers, positional variants, and trace impurities in complex samples.

How does polar end-capping improve performance on the CD-C18?

Polar end-capping provides superior coverage of residual silanol groups, minimizing secondary interactions that often cause peak tailing—especially for basic or polar analytes. This results in cleaner peaks and more reliable quantitation.

What types of analyses are best suited for the Cadenza CD-C18?

The column excels in small-molecule separations such as pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, impurities, synthetic intermediates, and structurally similar compounds requiring high selectivity and molecular recognition.