WATERS CORPORATION 2424, Operator'S Manual, Page: 162 / 196

6-4 Optimizing Detection and Preparing Solvents
Organic solvent compatibility
The ELS detector is fully compatible with standard chromatographic solvents
including both reversed phase and normal phase organic solvents. The
limitations of detector solvent compatibility are limits imposed by the
chromatographic system in use.
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
When you use unstabilized THF, ensure that your solvent is fresh. Previously
opened bottles of THF contain peroxide contaminants, which cause baseline
drift.
Properties of common solvents
The following table lists the properties for some common chromatographic
solvents.
Warning:
THF contaminants (peroxides) can explode when concentrated
or evaporated to dryness.
Warning:
Do not use flammable solvents with air as the gas.
Properties of common solvents
Solvent
Vapor Pressure
mm Hg (Torr) Boiling
Point (°C) Flash
Point (°C)
Acetone 184.5 at 20 °C 56.29 -20
Acetonitrile 88.8 at 25 °C 81.6 6
n -butyl acetate 7.8 at 20 °C 126.11 22
n -butyl alcohol 4.4 at 20 °C 117.5 37
n -butyl chloride 80.1 at 20 °C 78.44 -9
Chlorobenzene 8.8 at 20 °C 131.69 28
Chloroform 158.4 at 20 °C 61.15
Cyclohexane 77.5 at 20 °C 80.72 -20
Cyclopentane 400 at 20 °C 49.26 -7
o -Dichlorobenzene 1.2 at 20 °C 180.48 66
Dichloromethane 350 at 20 °C 39.75