Gas Chromatography (GC) is an analytical method for separating, identifying, and quantifying volatile components in mixtures. It utilizes a stationary phase and a mobile phase to separate compounds based on volatility and polarity. Techniques like GC-MS combine GC's separation with mass spectrometry's identification capabilities, enhancing analysis for applications in toxicology, environmental science, and more.
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Gas chromatography separates compounds based on their partitioning behavior between the mobile gas phase and the stationary liquid phase
Vaporization and Injection
The sample is vaporized and injected into the column by the mobile phase
Interaction with Stationary Phase
Compounds interact with the stationary phase and are separated based on their volatility and polarity
Detection
Separated compounds are detected by a suitable detector, such as the flame ionization detector or mass spectrometer
The graphical representation of a gas chromatography analysis, with peaks corresponding to different components in the sample and retention times providing clues to their identity
GC-MS combines the separation capabilities of GC with the identification power of MS
Ionization and Fragmentation
Compounds are ionized, fragmented, and detected based on their mass-to-charge ratios in the mass spectrometer
Unique Identifier
The mass spectrum serves as a unique identifier for each compound, similar to a molecular fingerprint
GC-MS is particularly valuable for analyzing complex mixtures and is used in fields such as toxicology, environmental analysis, and forensic science
Gas chromatography can be customized by varying the stationary phase, column dimensions, and operating conditions to optimize separation for specific compounds
Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)
A universal detector used in gas chromatography
Electron Capture Detector (ECD)
A detector sensitive to halogenated compounds
Gas chromatography is limited to volatile and thermally stable compounds and requires careful control of operating conditions for reproducible results
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Stationary phase in GC
High-boiling liquid on solid support inside column, interacts with sample components.
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Mobile phase in GC
Inert carrier gas (e.g., helium, nitrogen) that moves sample through column.
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Retention time significance in GC
Time taken for a component to elute from the column, indicative of its interaction with stationary phase.
