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Can SEC Columns Accurately Measure HPMC Molecular Weight?

Record: 927

Category: Method Development
Product: SB
Sample: HPMC 

Question

Is it possible to determine the molecular weight of HPMC using Shodex SB-series SEC columns in aqueous conditions?

Answer

Determining the molecular weight of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) by SEC in aqueous conditions is very difficult. HPMC tends to swell or form gels in water and aqueous buffer systems, which interferes with size exclusion chromatography and prevents accurate molecular weight measurement.

For HPMC, SEC may be used only for limited relative comparisons between samples if aggregation is controlled, but it is not suitable for absolute MW determination.

An alternative approach that is more suitable for HPMC is intrinsic viscosity measurement.

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