Gas Chromatography (GC)

What’s the fastest way to acquire a new chromatographic skill? The answer lies with those who are just beginning to learn.

A broad range of trace-level volatile organic compounds was detected in drinking water using headspace–trap sampling.

It is a fact that most of us will be experiencing rising helium costs, and in some cases, caps on supply, or an inability to initiate new supply contracts from providers. Based on my own experiences, and those of colleagues and contacts, I’ve prepared what I hope is a succinct and focused guide on the factors one needs to evaluate to properly inform the decision to switch, and what to expect on the implementation journey.

Key insights on how to get the most out of gas chromatography for the most difficult problem solving, the best quantitative analysis, and the highest data integrity.

We pass on valuable lessons shared by the six GC speakers at ChromTalks 2022.

In this study, the experimental nontargeted screening approach and corresponding data analysis workflows—simultaneously using molecular ion information and structural information—are presented for the molecular identification and authenticity verification process from a brand perfume using GC–ecTOF-MS.

Professor James Ephraim Lovelock, inventor of the electron capture detector and developer of the Gaia theory, died last month on his 103rd Birthday.

An overview of modern approaches to small-molecule drug discovery.

This article provides an overview of the development and current status of comparative analysis for GC×GC–TOF-MS data and how key limitations can be overcome with a novel tile-based pairwise analysis method.

We might well ask “Where is gas chromatography (GC) heading?” For many analysts, the answer may be just “more of the same,” reflecting that GC is mature and that most analysis tasks and sample types have been tried and tested. In this scenario, any changes to the basic method may be marginal—sample introduction, and maybe a new detector? But beneath this status quo is an undercurrent of passion, excitement, and power.

Headspace GC reveals that sonication can degrade common organic solvents.

Hidden uncertainties in quantitative methods may make data look more precise and accurate than they really are. Take particular care when using dilution, which can increase experimental uncertainty.

The Column spoke to Philipp Weller from the Institute of Instrumental Analytics and Bioanalytics at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Germany, about the benefits of nontargeted screening approaches in food safety and environmental analysis using GC–IMS, and the best way to approach data processing and model building with the generated data.

Identifying the source of siloxanes makes troubleshooting that much easier.

Separations science within microfluidics has already begun to make significant impact across any number of fields. But many times they are embedded within a larger system—their importance hidden or minimized.

In this next installment of our “Critical Evaluation” series, we will examine gas chromatography methods which use mass spectrometric detection (GC–MS).

Extraction-based sample preparation has been recognized as a significant step in separation science. To improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the extraction, some new approaches have been introduced, including those that employ an electric field. These electric field-assisted extraction methods create another dimension for sample preparation, and are compatible with miniaturized, portable, and multifunctional analytical platforms.

The study of the thermal behavior and pyrolysis products of these terpenoids could possibly suggest flavor precursors that could be used to provide specific flavors.

As chromatographers, our thoughts turn to the use of hydrogen as an alternative carrier gas, to ensure continuity of supply and reduce long-term costs.

This study demonstrates the analysis of live chemical warfare agents and simulants at trace and higher levels.

Our annual review of new gas chromatography products.

This GC–FID method enables accurate determination of cooling agents, which are flavor compounds commonly used in cigarette tipping paper.

The glass inlet liner is one of the most important, yet least understood and most often ignored, components of a gas chromatographic experiment.

This time of year tends to serve as a reminder that while women may be entering more degrees and careers in science than ever before, there is still a need to advocate for gender parity in many sectors.

Barry L Karger is Director Emeritus of the Barnett Institute, and is the James L. Waters Emeritus Chair and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Northeastern University in Boston.

The ability to predict issues and highlight unusual method parameters, before ever entering the laboratory, allows you to be alert for potential issues with a separation, or to change the method (where applicable) prior to initiating any experimentation. These detective skills, when applied in retrospect, are also invaluable for troubleshooting problems with the chromatographic separation or quantitative results.

When applying Golay’s equation for height equivalent of a theoretical plate (HETP) to capillary GC, you should ask three key questions.

QuEChERS has been updated to suit modern instrumentation. Now also “efficient and robust,” QuEChERSER is a “mega-method” that covers a wider polarity range.

We are all familiar with Golay’s equation relating to height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) in GC. But do we understand it correctly?

This novel gas chromatography (GC)–MS approach enables analysis of the suspected mutagens bis(pinacolato)diboron (BPD) and tetrahydroxydiboron (BBA) found at low-levels in certain intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), even in the presence of boron from other sources.