Delivering the promise of SFC: a case study.

•Combining SFC with MS creates a powerful tool for large-scale purification.•A research scale laboratory built to handle multigram amounts can extend limits in a safe way.•An investment in a SFC system is rapidly returned by the lower operating cost.•SFC is a preferred technique to NPLC because it consumes less organic solvent.•SFC is clearly a better choice regarding safety, environmental and health aspects.