Given the worldwide shortage of acetonitrile, what is the easiest way to cut my usage in half?
Reduce column diameter If you want to use your existing LC configuration and minimize method changes, one way to reduce acetonitrile (ACN) consumption is to switch from 4.6 mm Agilent ZORBAX columns to Agilent ZORBAX Solvent Saver columns with 3.0 mm I.D. Because the Solvent Saver columns are available in all ZORBAX phases, in most cases, you simply lower the column flow rate and your method changes are done. In the unlikely case that you are running samples at very high concentrations, to avoid column overload, you may need to reduce the injection volume or the sample concentration. Figure 1 shows a 50% reduction in acetonitrile usage by changing to columns of smaller internal diameter. Reduce particle size Another way to conserve acetonitrile is to switch to a column with the same bonded phase but smaller particle size. Then you can use a shorter column of the same diameter and get the same separation. Shorter columns bring the dual advantage of faster chromatography and solvent savi
