176 Agilent 1200 Preparative Pump User Manual
10 Appendix
Solvent Information
Solvent Information
Flow Cell 
To protect optimal functionality of your flow-cell:
• Avoid the use of alkaline solutions (pH > 9.5) which can attack quartz and 
thus impair the optical properties of the flow cell.
• If the flow cell is transported while temperatures are below 5 degree C, it 
must be assured that the cell is filled with alcohol.
• Aqueous solvents in the flow cell can built up algae. Therefore do not leave 
aqueous solvents sitting in the flow cell. Add a small % of organic solvents 
(e.g. acetonitrile or methanol ~5%).
Use of Solvents 
Observe the following recommendations on the use of solvents.
• Brown glass ware can avoid growth of algae. 
• Small particles can permanently block capillaries and valves. Therefore 
always filter solvents through 0.4 µm filters.
• Avoid the use of the following steel-corrosive solvents:
• Solutions of alkali halides and their respective acids (for example, 
lithium iodide, potassium chloride, and so on),
• High concentrations of inorganic acids like sulfuric acid and nitric acid, 
especially at higher temperatures (if your chromatography method 
allows, replace by phosphoric acid or phosphate buffer which are less 
corrosive against stainless steel),
• Halogenated solvents or mixtures which form radicals and/or acids, for 
example:
2CHCl
3
 + O
2
 → 2COCl
2
 + 2HCl
This reaction, in which stainless steel probably acts as a catalyst, occurs 
quickly with dried chloroform if the drying process removes the 
stabilizing alcohol,