Comparison of core–shell and totally porous ultra high performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases based on their selectivity towards alfuzosin compounds

• KUL procedure was adapted to testing of UHPLC stationary phases.
• Classification of core–shell and UHPLC columns was performed.
• Verification of the KUL results was based on the separation of alfuzosin.
• The UHPLC methods were evaluated as alternative to conventional HPLC method.
• The KUL approach can be considered as efficient tool during UHPLC method development.

This paper focuses on the application of a column classification system based on the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven for the characterization of physicochemical properties of core–shell and ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases, followed by the verification of the reliability of the obtained column classification in pharmaceutical practice. In the study, 7 stationary phases produced in core–shell technology and 18 ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic columns were chromatographically tested, and ranking lists were built on the FKUL-values calculated against two selected reference columns. In the column performance test, an analysis of alfuzosin in the presence of related substances was carried out using the brands of the stationary phases with the highest ranking positions. Next, a system suitability test as described by the European Pharmacopoeia monograph was performed. Moreover, a study was also performed to achieve a purposeful shortening of the analysis time of the compounds of interest using the selected stationary phases. Finally, it was checked whether methods using core–shell and ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic columns can be an interesting alternative to the high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the analysis of alfuzosin in pharmaceutical practice.