Article
Using Thermodynamics and Simulations to Understand Selectivity and Retention in Gas Chromatography
LCGC North America
(2023)
Abstract
Retention and selectivity in gas chromatography (GC) occur because of the thermodynamics of the phase transition from the vapor phase following sample injection to the solution phase of being dissolved in the stationary phase. Analytes then move along the column because the vapor phase is flowing. In this installment, we quickly review the basic thermodynamics underlying separation in GC, and we see how this impacts selectivity and retention. Last month, we saw how seemingly large differences in column polarity may still generate little, or even the opposite, effect on retention and generate confusion and difficulty in method development. This month, we explore this challenge more in-depth using thermodynamics and a freely available online GC simulator.
Disciplines
Publication Date
February, 2023
DOI
10.56530/lcgc.na.bf1581b9
Citation Information
Nicholas Snow. "Using Thermodynamics and Simulations to Understand Selectivity and Retention in Gas Chromatography" LCGC North America Vol. 41 Iss. 2 (2023) p. 50 - 55 ISSN: 0888-9090 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nicholas_snow/78/