What is the Difference Between ODS and BDS Column?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

ODS and BDS columns are both used for reverse-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), but they have different characteristics and properties. The key difference between ODS and BDS columns lies in the functional groups they contain.

  • ODS Column: ODS columns have free -OH functional groups and are also referred to as C18 columns because they contain octadecasilane chains. They are widely used in reverse-phase chromatography due to their high theoretical plate number, rapid equilibration, and low cost of operation.
  • BDS Column: BDS columns, also known as Hypersil columns, have blocked -OH groups or deactivated hydroxyl groups. They are designed to reduce peak tailing, which is a major problem in chromatography and can lead to difficulties in identifying certain peaks. BDS columns are also referred to as C18 columns because they are packed with octadecasilane chains.

In summary, the main difference between ODS and BDS columns is the presence of free -OH functional groups in ODS columns and deactivated -OH groups in BDS columns. While ODS columns are widely used in reverse-phase chromatography, BDS columns are designed to reduce peak tailing, improving the performance of chromatographic techniques.

Comparative Table: ODS vs BDS Column

The main difference between ODS and BDS columns lies in the functional groups they contain. Here is a table summarizing the differences between ODS and BDS columns:

Feature ODS Column (Octadecylsilane) BDS Column (Base Deactivated Silica)
Functional Groups Contains free -OH functional groups Contains deactivated -OH functional groups
Chromatography Process Used in reverse-phase chromatography Used in reverse-phase chromatography
Peak Tailing High peak tailing Low peak tailing
Silica Surface Silica surface present Silica surface deactivated due to base treatments
Residual Silanol Activity High residual silanol activity Minimal residual silanol activity
Suitability Suitable for various compounds Specific for basic compounds

ODS columns, also known as C18 columns, have high peak tailing, which can make it difficult to recognize certain peaks in chromatography. BDS columns, on the other hand, are designed to reduce peak tailing and are specifically suitable for the analysis of basic compounds.