Chromatography Flashcards
Types of gas chromatography (based on stationary phase)
Gas-solid
Gas-liquid
Define retention time, void time and adjusted retention time
Retention time, tR: the average time that is required for a particular chemical to pass through the column
Void time, tM: the time for a compound that is nonretained/that does not interact with the stationary phase
Adjusted retention time: retention time corrected for the void time (tR’ = tR-tM)
Explain how the efficiency of a chromatographic system is assessed.
Efficiency with regards to chromatography refers to separation performance. This is indicated by peak width (either at the base or at half-height). The narrower the peak, the more easily two peaks with similar interactions with the system can be separated
In chromatography, what is “k”?
The retention factor. The average time an analyte remains in the stationary phase, compared to its time spent in the mobile phase
What is the advantage of using retention factor to describe a compound’s retention in chromatography?
“k” is independent of flow rate and column size
It is directly related to the strength of interactions occurring between the compound and the stationary/mobile phases, as well as the relative amounts of stationary/mobile phase
With the aid of a diagram, demonstrate how efficiency and selectivity change the resolution of peaks in chromatography.
Increasing efficiency improves resolution by creating narrower peaks. Increasing selectivity improves resolution by increasing the differences in retention time/volume of different compounds.
What is column bleed? What problems are associated with it?
In gas-liquid chromatography, with each run, some of the liquid stationary phase may leave the column with the mobile phase. This is known as column bleed.
When column bleed occurs, it changes the amount of stationary phase present in the column, and therefore changes the ability of the system to retain chemicals. Also, as the liquid stationary phase elutes, it may actually produce signal that is picked up by the detector as high background/noise.
Advantages of HPLC over GC
Ability to work directly with liquid samples
Modern LC instruments have better resolution and lower limit of detection
Suited to automation
Wide range of separation mechanisms, stationary phases, solvents and detectors that can be employed
5 main types of LC based on separation mechanism
- Adsorption chromatography (AKA liquid-solid chromatography)
- Partition chromatography
a) Normal phased (polar stationary phase)
b) Reversed phase (non-polar stationary phase) - Ion exchange chromatography
- Size-exclusion chromatography
- Affinity chromatography
Define chromatography
A method of separation of analytes based on differential interaction between stationary and mobile phases
What is the difference between column and planar chromatography?
Column - support is the internal surface of the column or a material that is placed/packed into the column
Planar - support/stationary phase is present on a surface that is open and flat
Liquid chromatography hardware components
Mobile phase
Degasser - removes bubbles
Pump - constant, pulse free flow, programmable, if binary, can adjust proportions of mobile phase
Sample injector - injects sample, includes needle wash components
Column compartment
Temperature control - sample injector and column compartment
Detector - UV or MS
Computer hardware/software - to drive instrument parameters and collect/process instrument output
In HPLC, what is “response ratio”?
peak area (analyte) / peak area (internal standard). Used for quantification of analytes.
Detection methods in liquid chromatography
- UV absorbance
- Fluorescence
- Electrochemical detection
- Mass spectrometer
- Refractive index detector
Analyte(s) UV absorbance detection is useful for in chromatography
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