| Abstract: | A mathematical method for the calculation of the dead time (tm) in HPLC was evaluated using a computer simulation approach, in which artificial perturbations were introduced to Simulated homolog retention times. The calculation was based on a modified and extended Grobler and Bálisz (GB) method. Investigated wav how the precision of the calculated tM is affected by: statistical fluctuations in retention times and which, and how many homolog retention times are used. Based on these simulations a two-step procedure for the tM calculation is proposed: In the first step the linearity of log tR, n vs carbon number n is checked using as many homolog retention times as possible. The slope value bo of the first linear regression in the GB method is used for the selection of homolog retention times in the final tM calculation. In the second step the optimal selection of homologs is made and the final tM calculation is carried out. Guidelines for homolog selection are given. |
