Ligand Exchange, Ion Exclusion and Specialized GFC

Shodex™ ligand exchange, ion exclusion, and specialized GFC columns support the separation of carbohydrates ranging from monosaccharides and disaccharides to oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Moreover, we offer columns that can separate both organic acids and saccharides simultaneously. Depending on the column chemistry and mobile phase, Shodex columns separate analytes through ligand exchange, ion exclusion, or mixed-mode mechanisms. For example, the KS series combines ligand exchange and size exclusion mechanisms for carbohydrate separations. Read more about the features below, as well as our column selection guide. Choose the correct column or columns for your application. Please refer to our HILIC and Gel Filtration product guides for more information about saccharides and organic separations in other modes.

SC1011	Separates saccharides by a combination of ligand exchange and size exclusion mechanisms. Fulfills USP-NF L19 and L22 requirements.
SP0810	Available with Ca²⁺, Pb²⁺, or Na⁺ counter ions. Fulfills USP-NF L22 and L34 requirements.
KS-801	Neutral sugar analysis using water as the mobile phase. Fulfills USP-NF L22 and L58 requirements.
KS-802	Suitable for oligosaccharide separations. Fulfills USP-NF L22 and L58 requirements.
KS-803	Designed for oligosaccharide separations using size exclusion chromatography.
KS-804	Can be connected in series with KS-801 and/or KS-802 for extended separation range. Water can be used as the mobile phase for neutral sugar analysis. Fulfills USP-NF L22 and L58 requirements.
DC-613	Separates sugars using a combination of ligand exchange and HILIC mechanisms. Allows sugar analysis without prior removal of sodium salts from the sample. Fulfills USP-NF L22 and L58 requirements.
SZ5532	Recommended for separation of disaccharides and trisaccharides. Fulfills USP-NF L22 requirements.
SC1211	Suitable for separation of sugar alcohols. Fulfills USP-NF L19 and L22 requirements.
SC1011-7F	Pharmacopoeia method-relevant Ca²⁺-modified ligand exchange chromatography column.
MN-431	Neutral sugar analysis using water as the mobile phase. Fulfills USP-NF L19 and L22 requirements.

Column Selection: by Combination of Saccharides

Saccharides to be separated	Columns to be selected
Monosaccharides
Glu,Fru	SP0810,SC1011,SC1211,KS-801
Glc,Gal,Fru	SP0810,SC1011,SC1211
Glc,Gal,Man	SP0810
Glc,Gal,Ara	SP0810,SC1011,SZ5532
Glc,Xyl,Ara	SP0810,SC1011,SZ5532
Glc,Fru,Sorbitol	SC1011,SC1211,SC1821 (discontinued),SZ5532
Glc,Gal,Sorbitol,Ducitol	SP0810,SC1011
Glc,Gal,Man,Sorbitol,Ducitol,Mannitol	SP0810
Glc,Fru,Gly,EtOH	SC1011,SC1211,KS-801
Glc,Fru+alcohols	SC1011,SH1011,SC1211
Glc,Fru+organic acids	SH1011,SH1821
Disaccharides
Suc,Lac	SZ5532
Suc,Mal	SZ5532
Suc,Mal,Lac	SZ5532
Mal,Isomaltose	SZ5532
Lac,Lactulose	SP0810,SC1011
Suc,Glc,Fru	SC1011,SC1211,KS-801,SZ5532
Suc,Lac,Glc,Gal,Fru	SZ5532
Mal,Glc,Fru,Gly,EtOH	SC1011,SC1211,KS-801
Cel,Glc,Gal,Man,Xyl,Ara	SP0810
Mal,Glc,Fru,Sorbitol	SP0810,SC1011,SC1211,SZ5532
Mal,Glc,Fru+alcohols	SC1011,SC1211,SH1011
Mal,Glc,Fru+organic acids	SH1011,SH1821
Suc,Glc,Fru,Sorbitol	SP0810,SC1011,SC1211,SC1821
Mal,Maltitol	SP0810,SC1011,SC1211,SZ5532
Suc,Lac,Mal,Maltitol	SZ5532
Glc,Suc,Erythrytol	SP0810,SC1011,KS-801
Mal,Glc,Fru,Erythrytol	SP0810,SC1011
Sta,Raf,Mal,Glc,Gal,Ara	SC1011,KS-801,SZ5532
G4,G3,Mal,Glc	SC1011,KS-801,KS-802
Sta,Raf,Suc,Glc	SC1011,KS-801,SZ5532
Raf,Suc,Glc,Fru,Ara	KS-801
Maltooligosaccharide	SC1821 (discontinued),KS-802,SZ5532
Maltooligosaccharide+alcohols	SC1821 (discontinued),KS-802,SH1821
Maltooligosaccharide+organic acids	SH1821
Maltooligosaccharide+sugar alcohols	SC1821 (discontinued),SC1011+KS-802
Xylitol,Sorbitol	SC1011,SC1211,SZ5532
Sobitol,Mannitol,Xylitol	SP0810,SC1211,SZ5532
Sobitol,Dulcitol,Xylitol	SP0810,SC1011,SZ5532
Maltitol,Sorbitol	SC1011,SC1211,SZ5532
Maltitol,Dulcitol,Arabitol,Xylitol,Mannitol,Sorbitol	SC1211

Innovative Solutions for Your Laboratory

Shodex polymer-based columns, including ligand exchange, ion exclusion and select GFC columns, are engineered for durable performance within specified operating windows. Select polymer-based columns support wide pH operating ranges (up to pH 2–13); refer to individual column specifications for operating limits. For specific pH, solvent, temperature or counterion compatibility, always refer to the individual column datasheet. Shodex ligand exchange HPLC columns are optimized for the separation of select small, polar molecules — most commonly sugars, but also applicable to amino acids, depending on the model. The SUGAR column series is designed for high-resolution separation and quantification of mono- and disaccharides and can support oligosaccharide analysis in many food and beverage samples. For particularly complex matrices or high-oligosaccharide content, performance may depend on application-specific optimization. Shodex GFC saccharide columns separate carbohydrates according to hydrodynamic size using size exclusion mechanisms. Shodex has developed the proprietary RSpak KC-811 column, a polymer-based organic acid column that operates primarily by ion exclusion with secondary reversed-phase interactions for separation and quantification of organic acids across various matrices. Since it is a polymer-based column, it offers high chemical stability.

Support for Regulated Methods

While results and lifespan can vary, Shodex columns are designed for consistent separation, supporting confidence in saccharide analysis HPLC data, as well as long-term performance. Many Shodex columns are suitable for use with organic acid ion exclusion, ligand exchange, sugar separation and regulated methods and are referenced in official compendia such as USP-NF and others. Users should verify that their chosen column is validated for the specific regulatory method required. Learn more about the products and their applications in our detailed technical notes database.

Why Trust Us?

We have a deep focus on polymer-based and specialized separations, which has allowed us to develop unique products since 1973. Our technical team has decades of experience addressing analytical challenges, reflected in their extensive technical notes and support resources. With more than 1,000 products, including specialized columns, our team at Shodex is a comprehensive provider for a range of analytical needs. We have a deep commitment to education, with expert guidance to help you find the dedicated, high-performing column right for your application. Our portfolio includes columns developed to align with common pharmacopoeial requirements, supporting reliable results when following established industry methods. Please consult product documentation to confirm suitability.

Contact Shodex for the Right Column

With robust technical support and application guidance, both before and after your purchase, our team at Shodex HPLC is your partner for a range of analysis needs. Contact us with your sales and technical questions.