Extrapolation and interpolation of gas chromatographic retention times

Summary An empirical method of extrapolating and interpolating gas chromatographic retention times obtained at three equally spaced isothermal temperatures is described. The accuracy of the method was evaluated from retention time data obtained using packed glass columns. A procedure for constructing retention time tables for homologous series and the derivation of an equation for calculating retention times as a function of temperature is also presented.     

Model for predicting comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography retention times

A model for approximating the relative retention of solutes in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) is presented. The model uses retention data from standard single-column temperature-programmed separations. The one-dimensional retention times are first converted into retention indices and then these indices are combined in a simple manner to generate a retention diagram. A retention diagram is an approximation of the two-dimensional chromatogram that has retention order and spacing in both dimensions similar to that found in the experimental chromatogram. If required, the retention diagram can be scaled to more closely resemble the two-dimensional chromatogram. The model has been tested by using retention time data from single-column gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and valve-based GCxGC. A total of 139 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were examined. Approximately half of the VOCs had a single functional group and a linear alkyl chain (i.e., compounds with the structure Z-(CH(2))(n)-H). The retention diagrams had primary retention orders that were in excellent agreement with the GCxGC chromatograms. The relative secondary retention order for compounds with similar structures was also accurately predicted by the retention diagram. However, the relative secondary retention for compounds with dissimilar structures, such as acyclic alcohols and multi-substituted alkylbenzenes, were less accurately modeled. This study demonstrates how readily available single-column retention time data can be used to provide an a priori estimate of the relative retention of solutes in a GCxGC chromatogram. Such a capability is useful for screening possible combinations of stationary phases.     

Binary chromatographic retention times from perturbations in flowrate and composition

This work is a theoretical and experimental investigation of the binary retention time (t _step) when the disturbance is made to a chromatographic system by adding a small flow of one of the pure components. The established theory is for addition of a pulse: in this case, the retention time (t _pulse) depends on the two binary isotherm gradients, and should be independent of the choice of pulse gas. From the column material balance, the value of t _step also depends on the column pressure drop and perturbation gas—the value of t _step should always be greater for the more-adsorbed component. The theory has been validated from results on the nitrogen–argon–5A zeolite system at 25, 54 and 81 °C. For a 50% mixture at 25 °C with a column pressure drop of 0.1 bar, the values of t _step are 257 and 254 seconds for the nitrogen and argon perturbations. The values of t _step are different because addition of the perturbation flow causes a very small increase in average column pressure (about 0.5 mbar), which causes the binary isotherm gradients to be measured in (slightly) different directions along the isotherm surface. The intention is to determine the value of t _step for the case of a zero change in the average column pressure: experimentally, this would require a column with a zero pressure drop. The material balance shows that t _step for a column with a zero pressure drop is obtained from a simple weighted function of the values of t _step for the two pure-component perturbations. Accurate determination is essential because the “zero pressure drop” values are used to determine binary adsorption isotherms which are, of course, at a fixed pressure.     

Prediction of protein retention times in gradient hydrophobic interaction chromatographic systems

A two-step methodology has been developed for the prediction of protein retention time in linear-gradient HIC systems. Isocratic retention parameters were determined from ln(k')-salt concentration plots for a number of commercially available proteins with a range of properties. Quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) models based on a support vector machine (SVM) approach were generated for predicting isocratic retention parameters for proteins not included in the model generation. The predicted parameters were then used to calculate protein gradient retention times and the results indicate that this approach is well suited for predicting experimental gradient retention data. The approach presented in this paper may have implications for HIC methods development at both the bench and process scales.     

Simultaneous chromatographic identification of a few components in mixtures based on a correlation between their absolute or relative retention times under different conditions

A correlation was established between the absolute and relative retention parameters of various compounds under different conditions of chromatographic analysis (isothermal and temperature programming conditions in gas chromatography or isocratic and gradient elution in high-performance liquid chromatography). This correlation is described by the linear regression equations t _R (II) = = at _R (I) + b with a high degree of accuracy. This property of chromatographic retention parameters allowed us not only to recalculate the values of these parameters determined under different conditions, but also to propose an algorithm for the simultaneous identification of a few components in complex mixtures with the use of published data on retention parameters found under other conditions (even presented as the drawings of chromatograms).     

An approach to the prediction of retention times in liquid chromatography

The utility of Rekker's hydrophobic fragmental constant has been examined for optimization of reversed-phase mode liquid chromatographic separations. The chromatographic behavior of about 60 non-ionic compounds was measured in different acetonitrile/water mixtures and the logarithm of their capacity factors (log k) was correlated with their calculated hydrophobicities (log P). Linear relations were found in each case between log k and log P. The slope of the various lines was related to the percentage concentration of acetonitrile in the mobile phase. It was shown that, by using nine stand ard compounds and measuring their capacity factors in five eluents with different acetonitrile concentrations, the retention time could be predicted for 60 compounds. Calculation of the concentration of the organic modifier was also possible in a system of well coated octadecyl bonded packings with acetonitrile/water mixtures as eluent. Prediction of the capacity factor was accomplished to within 5% error.     

Method for reducing the ambiguity of comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography retention times

Comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography generates a two-dimensional chromatogram from a one-dimensional signal array. This process can only be done unambiguously when the range of secondary retention times is less than the modulation period. However, complex samples often produce wider ranges of secondary retention times. Peaks with retention times that exceed the modulation period are said to be "wrapped-around". A simple algorithm has been developed that determines absolute retention times when wrap-around occurs. A sample is first analyzed under standard modulation conditions and then re-analyzed with a modulation period that is increased by an integer fraction of the original modulation period. Retention shifts along the secondary axis are used to determine absolute retention times. A theoretical analysis has been performed to optimize the implementation conditions and characterize the technique limitations. The efficacy of this algorithm has been tested through a series of isothermal GC x GC separations. This method has been found to be particularly useful during the initial stages of method development.     

Prediction of peptide retention times in normal-phase liquid chromatography with only a single gradient run.

Previous studies of peptide separation by normal-phase liquid chromatography have shown a linear relationship between the logarithm of the capacity factor and the logarithm of the volume fraction of modifier in the mobile phase. This permitted the use of a model to predict isocratic and gradient retention times based on data obtained by two initial gradient runs. In the present study, chromatographic behavior of 25 peptides in normal-phase liquid chromatography with isocratic elution have been studied and a linear relationship between the slope (S) and intercept [log k(0)] was obtained. This relationship was combined with the algorithm of prediction reported in the previous paper. The prediction of peptide retention times with only a single experimental gradient retention data was investigated.     

Contribution to the time balance in gas-liquid chromatography new definition equations of the retention times and retention volumes

The numerous research groups and researchers, as well as IUPAC, that during the last half century have dealt with different theoretical and practical problems in gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), including its nomenclature, have failed in giving an exact definition equation of the net retention time. Using our earlier results and starting from a time balance of GLC we have solved this problem by introducing the so-called acceleration time, t(ac), in the absence of which, the theoretical plate number concept, including the stationary phase transfer, is misinterpreted. The measurements were carried out both on support coated and on wall-coated open tubular columns with apolar and polar stationary phases. Different relationships of t(ac) with some solute properties and the column temperature for a series of n-alkanes on an apolar stationary phase under isothermal conditions were tested. The results obtained are presented in different tables and mathematical relationships.     

Mathematical correlations for predicting protein retention times in hydrophobic interaction chromatography

In our work we performed a combinatorial synthesis in aqueous medium to prepare peptide libraries from which we would select amino acid sequences with binding properties towards estrogens. We prepared an affinity solid-phase by using a tetrapeptide with good selectivity and affinity towards the estradiol (K> 10(4) M(-1)). Samples of estrogens in buffer, in tap water and in river water were applied to our column in which they were retained (k' > 116). These could only be eluted in a few millilitres of methanol mobile phase. In all cases there were quantitative recoveries. The pre-concentration studies were promising.     

High-performance liquid chromatography of xanthines. Effects of N-methyl and C-8 hydroxyl substitution on the retention times

The capacity factors of 26 xanthine derivatives were measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. N-Methyl substitution increased the capacity factor and the related lipid solubility. The descending order of the increase in capacity factor by the N-methyl group is: N-1 methyl greater than N-3 methyl greater than N-7 methyl greater than N-9 methyl. C-8 hydroxylation reduces the capacity factor in the xanthines. The reduction factor is 3.34 in xanthines with N-3 methyl substitution, 2.41 in xanthines with N-1 and/or N-7 methyl substitution and 1.68 in xanthines with N-9 methyl substitution.     

Prediction of programmed temperature retention times on linked capillary columns of different polarity

Systems formed by serial connection of capillary columns of different polarity were studied with methods previously used to predict the behavior of linked capillary columns under isothermal conditions and to obtain programmed temperature gas chromatography (PTGC) retention times of the individual columns starting from isothermal data. The two calculation methods were simultaneously applied in order to predict PTGC retention times of the series system starting from isothermal data obtained on the two individual columns. Experimental retention values measured using different temperature programs on the individual columns and on the series systems were found to agree with those calculated.