An experimental method for testing the solvophobic theory by using graphitized carbon black in GC and LC

Summary The net solvent effect for several solute-solvent pairs has been calculated by using the solvophobic approach for describing the liquid chromatographic process. For the same solutes and solvents the net solvent effect has been experimentally measured by using graphitized carbon black columns in GC and HPLC. A comparison between the measured and calculated values made in terms of normalized free energy changes, indicates that the solvophobic theory is fairly adequate for predicting the sequence of solvent strength and provides a comprehensive explanation of the various interactions occurring in reversed-phase LC. A critical discussion of the deviations of the theory from the experimental data is also presented.Presented at the 14th International Symposium on Chromatography London, September, 1982