Direct coupling of CO2 fluid extraction with capillary supercritical fluid chromatography

Summary An interface described in the literature was modified to accommodate small sample quantities. The simple and inexpensive method can be used to obtain rapid qualitative sample information of complex matrices by extraction in sub- or supercritical conditions (SFE) with a concurrent separation by capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (CSFC). Compared to traditional solvent extraction methods the potential for analyte degradation and contamination is minimized resulting in reduced sample amount necessary for extraction and separation, and also in faster extractions. Complex matrices of a plastic material, a natural product and a soil spiked with a substituted hydrocarbon test mixture were analyzed to show the usefulness of the interface.