gas chromatography Flashcards
what is chromatography
Separation process that is achieved by distributing the components of a mixture between 2 phases
what is the mobile phase
contains the analytes
what is the stationary phase
enables chemical partitioning
which phase drives separation
mobile
analytes will interact differently with the stationary phase
Analytes favouring the mobile phase will take short time to elute
Analytes favouring the stationary phase will take longer time to elut
separation fundamentals - stationary phase
The stationary phase is usually fixed in a column
how is separation achieved
2 component mixture
- onto stationary phase (polar)
- continuous flow of mobile phase (varying polarity)
- called ‘normal phase’ chromatography
components have difference affinities for the phases
•greater affinity for the stationary phase = more polar
- spends more time in that phase not moving
- less time moving in mobile phase
- moves slowly through system
•less affinity for stationary phase = less polar
- spend less time in that phase not moving
- more time moving in mobile phase
- moves through system quickly
Normal phase
polar stationary phase
less polar mobile phase
non-polar components travel further (faster) than polar
chromatographic parameters
resolution Rs
retention (capacity) factor, K
selectivity factor (a)
efficiency – number of theoretical plates (N)
SEE POWERPOINT FOR..
RESOLUTION CALCULATIONS
what is GC sometimes also referred to as
GLC
gas-liquid chromatography
what state is the mobile phase in GC
gas
usually nitrogen or helium (sometimes hydrogen)
what state is the stationary phase in GC
liquid
very high boiling point
what does GC do
separate volatile organic compounds
analyte in gas phase
-suitable for thermostable, non-polar compounds
SEE POWERPOINT FOR….
GC instrument