Evaluation of the separation characteristics of application-specific (volatile organic compounds) open-tubular columns for gas chromatography

The solvation parameter model is used to characterize the separation characteristics of two application-specific open-tubular columns (Rtx-Volatiles and Rtx-VGC) and a general purpose column for the separation of volatile organic compounds (DB-WAXetr) at five equally spaced temperatures over the range 60-140 degrees C. System constant differences and retention factor correlation plots are then used to determine selectivity differences between the above columns and their closest neighbors in a large database of system constants and retention factors for forty-four open-tubular columns. The Rtx-Volatiles column is shown to have separation characteristics predicted for a poly(dimethyldiphenylsiloxane) stationary phase containing about 16% diphenylsiloxane monomer. The Rtx-VGC column has separation properties similar to the poly(cyanopropylphenyldimethylsiloxane) stationary phase containing 14% cyanopropylphenylsiloxane monomer DB-1701 for non-polar and dipolar/polarizable compounds but significantly different characteristics for the separation of hydrogen-bond acids. For all practical purposes the DB-WAXetr column is shown to be selectivity equivalent to poly(ethylene glycol) columns prepared using different chemistries for bonding and immobilizing the stationary phase. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis are then used to classify the system constants for the above columns and a sub-database of eleven open-tubular columns (DB-1, HP-5, DB-VRX, Rtx-20, DB-35, Rtx-50, Rtx-65, DB-1301, DB-1701, DB-200, and DB-624) commonly used for the separation of volatile organic compounds. A rationale basis for column selection based on differences in intermolecular interactions is presented as an aid to method development for the separation of volatile organic compounds.     

Application of a unique selective PLOT capillary column for the analysis of oxygenated compounds in ambient air

Summary A new PLOT column (CP-LOWOX) designed specifically for the analysis of oxygenated compounds has been used for the gas chromatographic determination of semi-volatile carbonyl compounds. The separation behavior of the new column was investigated by comparing it with the widely used non-polar polydimethylsiloxane and polar poly(ethylene glycol) columns. The CP-LOWOX column has unique selectivity for aldehydes and ketones enabling a selective separation of these analytes from predominating hydrocarbon matrices. Application of the CP-LOWOX column for the analysis of polar compounds in ambient air is demonstrated. Sampling was performed by adsorptive enrichment coupled with thermal desorption. The suitability of Tenax TA and a multi-bed adsorbent trap Carbotrap C and Carbotrap) was tested for the sampling of semivolatile carbonyl compounds. Presented at Balaton Symposium on High Performance Separation Methods, Siófok, Hungary, September 1–3, 1999     

Serial coupled columns reversed-phase separations in high-performance liquid chromatography. Tool for analysis of complex real samples

High-performance liquid chromatography is considered as the selected analytical tool for a huge number of applications, including the carotenoid analysis. However, due to the great complexity of some natural samples containing this kind of compounds, conventional LC could not have enough separation power. In this work, serial connection of several columns is proposed as an alternative to LC and also to comprehensive two-dimensional LC for the analysis of carotenoids from complex real matrices. Different parameters regarding these separation procedures are studied and discussed, such as the stationary phase used or the application of high separation temperatures. The applicability of connecting two C30 columns to significantly increase the separation power, resolution and peak capacity for the analysis of carotenoids has been demonstrated for the first time. In fact, a peak capacity of 79 was obtained when using two C30 serial coupled columns, compared to 61 achieved using a single column. Similar improvements were also observed for the other serial couplings studied. The present methodology could be applied to the analysis of carotenoids in a great variety of samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first development carried out to study natural products such as carotenoids using columns coupled in series.     

Design and evaluation of a mixed-phase capillary column for the gas chromatographic separation of the volatile components of cheese

Summary A mixed-phase capillary GC column has been designed for the separation of the compounds commonly present in the volatile fraction of cheeses. The design includes the calculation of the optimum phase concentration and the operating conditions. The evaluation of the resulting column indicates that its performance in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of cheese volatile compounds is better than those of other columns coated with a single stationary phase.     

Analysis of seven chlorobiphenyl congeners by multidimensional gas chromatography

Chlorobiphenyl congeners (CBs) are used as indicator compounds in analysis performed to determine whether or not PCB concentrations in food products, waste mineral oil, and environmental samples comply with the maximum levels permitted by legislation. Seven of these compounds have been checked for coelution with other CB congeners by means of a multidimensional gas chromatographic method utilizing a combination of two narrow bore columns, one coated with a conventional non-polar stationary phase and the other with a liquid crystalline (smectic) stationary phase. Peaks of the relevant CBs have been transferred, by heart cutting, from the non-polar column to the liquid crystal column, on which unambiguous separation from possible coeluting CB congeners was obtained. It has been shown that if the seven congeners are analyzed solely on a single, non-polar capillary column the results obtained for two of them may be affected by coelution of other compounds.     

Rapid, high-resolution high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of antibiotics

A HPLC column devised for high separation speed combined with highly practical operating features has been found useful for separating antibiotics. Important characteristics involve compromises in packing particle size, column configuration and support-stationary phase combinations. We determined that these columns are useful for rapid, high-resolution separations with unmodified state-of-the-art HPLC equipment without the extra-column band-broadening effects typical of so-called “fast” HPLC columns. The proposed columns feature efficient sterically-protected monofunctional silane stationary phases that provide good separation reproducibility and high column stability. The combination of these unique bonded silanes and a highly purified, less-acidic silica support give superior peak shapes for antibiotic compounds. The proposed column configuration can halve separation times and double peak heights without loss in resolution, compared to widely used analytical columns. Increased mobile phase flow-rates permit even faster separations of antibiotics with only modest loss in resolution and peak heights for trace analyses in biological systems.     

Titania-coated monolithic silica as separation medium for high performance liquid chromatography of phosphorus-containing compounds

A method of preparing titania-coated monolithic silica stationary phase has been developed to achieve liquid chromatographic separation of phosphorus-containing compounds, which have recently been attracting increasing attention in biochemical research. The titania-coated silica columns exhibited efficient separation with low pressure drop, which is a typical feature of monolithic structures, and also possessed phospho-selectivity, which is a unique property of the titania surface. The material characteristics of titania-coated monolithic silica were examined, and then resin-clad columns were applied to the HPLC analysis of phosphorylated compounds. Highly efficient separation of phosphorylated substances indicated that the novel titania-coated monolithic silica column will find applications as a useful tool in the field of biochemistry, especially in post-genomic analyses.     

硅胶色谱柱的亲水作用保留机理及其影响因素

亲水作用色谱（HILIC）是替代反相色谱（RPLC）分离强极性及亲水性化合物的另一色谱模式,其分离机理与RPLC有很大不同,具有和RPLC互补的选择性。在HILIC模式中,采用正相色谱（NPLC）中的极性固定相及含高浓度有机溶剂（通常为乙腈）的水溶液为流动相。硅胶是开发最早、研究最为深入及应用最为广泛的HILIC固定相,本文介绍了硅胶色谱柱的HILIC保留机理,详细概述了操作条件如硅胶柱类型、流动相组成及柱温对HILIC分离的影响,并对硅胶填料色谱柱的HILIC模式的发展方向与应用前景进行了展望。     

Study of a monolithic silica capillary column coated with poly(octadecyl methacrylate) for the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of some polar and non-polar compounds

The performance of a monolithic silica capillary column coated with poly(octadecyl methacrylate) (ODM column) for the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic separation of some polar and non-polar compounds was studied, and the results were compared to those obtained by using a monolithic silica capillary column modified with octadecylsilyl-(N,N-diethylamino)silane (ODS column). Benzene and naphthalene derivatives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), steroids, alkyl phthalates, and tocopherol homologues were used as test samples. In general, compounds with aromatic character, rigid and planar structures, and lower length-to-breadth ratios (more compacted structures) seem to have more preference for the polymer coated stationary phase (ODM). Compounds with acidic character have also a higher retention on ODM columns because of the presence of ester groups in the stationary phase. The polymer coated column allowed the separation of some PAHs, alkyl phthalates, steroids, and of beta- and gamma-tocopherol isomers which cannot be separated under the same conditions on ODS columns, while keeping similar column efficiency. These results allowed to suggest ODM columns as a good alternative to conventional ODS columns for reversed-phase liquid chromatography.     

Gas chromatography for in situ analysis of a cometary nucleus III. Multi-capillary column system for the cometary sampling and composition experiment of the Rosetta lander probe

The cometary sampling and composition (COSAC) experiment is one of the principal experiments of the surface lander probe of the European Space Agency Rosetta mission to be launched in January 2003. The instrument is designed for the in situ chemical analysis of a cometary nucleus as the details of the nucleus composition are of primary importance for understanding both the formation of the solar system, and the origin of life on Earth. The COSAC experiment consists of an evaporation/pyrolysis device and two analytical systems: a multi-column gas chromatograph and a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer which may either be operated alone or in a coupled mode. The gas chromatograph includes five general purpose chromatographic columns and three chiral ones, all mounted in parallel. Taking into account the chemical species potentially present in the cometary nucleus as well as the space constraints, a set of five complementary columns was selected to perform the separation and identification of the compounds present in the cometary nucleus. This set of columns includes a carbon molecular sieve porous-layer open tubular (PLOT) column used for the separation of both the noble and other permanent gases, and the C1-C2 hydrocarbons. A second PLOT column uses a divinylbenzene-ethylene glycol-dimethylacrylate porous polymer as stationary phase for the analysis of a wide range of C1-C2 organic molecules, Two complementary wall-coated open tubular (WCOT) columns with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) liquid stationary phases, one containing cyanopropyl-phenylsiloxane and the other diphenylsiloxane groups, are designed to target the same range of organic compounds (C3-C7) which could be representative of the widest range of cometary compounds. A third WCOT column with an apolar stationary phase made of non-substituted PDMS is used for the separation and identification of higher-molecular-mass compounds (up to C10) and aromatic species (monoaromatic and polyaromatic). This paper describes these five general-purpose capillary PLOT and WCOT columns, selected to be used in the COSAC GC system. The analytical capabilities are examined with a special emphasis on the exobiological and planetological implications.     

A simple,fast, and accurate thermodynamic‐based approach for transfer and prediction of gas chromatography retention times between columns and instruments Part I: Estimation of reference column geometry and thermodynamic parameters

The transfer of retention times based on thermodynamic models between columns can aid in separation optimization and compound identification in gas chromatography. Although earlier investigations have been reported, this problem remains unsuccessfully addressed. One barrier is poor predictive accuracy when moving from a reference column or system to a new target column or system. This is attributed to challenges associated with the accurate determination of the effective geometric parameters of the columns. To overcome this, we designed least squares‐based models that account for geometric parameters of the columns and thermodynamic parameters of compounds as they partition between mobile and stationary phases. Quasi‐Newton‐based algorithms were then used to perform the numerical optimization. In this first of three parts, the model used to determine the geometric parameters of the reference column and the thermodynamic parameters of compounds subjected to separation is introduced. As will be shown, the overall approach significantly improves the predictive accuracy and transferability of thermodynamic data (and retention times) between columns of the same stationary phase chemistry. The data required for the determination of the thermodynamic parameters and retention time prediction are obtained from fast and simple experiments. The proposed model and optimization algorithms were tested and validated using simulated and experimental data.     

Exploiting styrene-maleic acid copolymer grafting chromatographic stationary phase materials for separation of membrane lipids

High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is one of the most commonly used strategies for lipid analysis. The development of versatile chromatographic stationary phases to meet the increasing demands for separation of complex lipids is very important. Styrene-maleic acid(SMA) copolymer is an amphiphilic polymer, which has been proven to have the ability to solubilize lipid molecules of various structures. In this study, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer coated silica was first pr...     

Dual column capillary gas chromatographic system for the in situ analysis of volatile organic compounds on a cometary nucleus

Two Wall Coated Open Tubular capillary columns, coated with poly(cyanopropylphenyl-dimethyl)siloxane and poly(diphenyl-dimethyl)siloxane stationary phases, have been selected for use in the COmetary SAmpling and Composition space experiment for the separation and identification of the wide range of volatile organic compounds which could be present in cometary nuclei. This article presents the main characteristics of the tandem column system for the analysis of solutes of cometary interest within the constraints of space instrumental operating conditions. The high efficiency of the columns is demonstrated and the influence of the operating conditions on their separation properties are investigated. The studied columns exhibit complementary retention pattern: their use in a dual column system makes it possible to achieve the separation and the identification of the compounds of interest. Finally, the good analytical behavior of the columns when analyzing samples which include large amounts of water, the main presumed volatile in comets, is demonstrated. The presented results thus show the suitability of the selected tandem columns system for the desired analyses, and their performance on adaptation to in-situ cometary chemical investigation.     

Analytical and semi-preparative enantioseparation of organic phosphonates on a new immobilized amylose based chiral stationary phase

Two chiral stationary phases derived from derivatized amylose (Chiralpak AD-H and Chiralpak IA) have been used to separate the enantiomers of new diethyl benzamidoarylmethylphosphonates. The data obtained indicate that all the studied compounds could be easily baseline resolved on both columns. Owing to the different techniques involved in their preparation, the two stationary phases differ in their abilities to effect enantiomeric separation. The semi-preparative separation of all compounds was executed successfully in n-hexane/EtOH on the new immobilized Chiralpak IA column. The analytical assessment of the enantiomeric excess values of all collected fractions was higher than 97%. The stereochemical configuration for the F1 fraction of a diethyl benzamidoarylmethylphosphonate was determined by X-ray diffraction structure analysis.     

Palladium(II) chemically bonded to silica surface applied to the separation and identification of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles in heavy oil

Separation of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles among themselves and also from interferents in petrochemical matrices is a challenging task because of their low concentration, matrix complexity, and also due to the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, as they present similar physico‐chemical properties. Therefore, the objective of this work was preparation, characterization, and application of a stationary phase for separation of these compounds in a heavy gas oil sample and their identification by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography. The stationary phase was prepared by grafting mercaptopropyltrimethoxisilane onto a silica surface, followed by palladium(II) chloride immobilization. Elemental analysis, thermogravimetry, nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherms, infrared analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterize this solid phase. Sulfur compounds were separated in an open column packed with the stationary phase and analyzed by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric detection. The number of compounds tentatively identified was 314 and their classes were thiophenes, benzotiophenes, dibenzothiophenes, naphthothiophenes, benzonaphthothiophenes, and dinaphthothiophenes. Separation among sulfur compounds and polyaromatic hydrocarbons was successful, which is a difficult goal to achieve with the traditionally employed solid phases. Some recalcitrant compounds (dibenzothiophenes with substituents of two and four carbons) were fully separated and tentatively identified.     

Comparison of C18 silica bonded phases selectivity in micellar liquid chromatography

The paper describes a new test designed in micellar LC (MLC) to compare the commercial C18 stationary phase properties. This test provides the total hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, steric selectivity, hydrogen bonding, and ion‐exchange capacity properties calculation of the ODS stationary phases. Both the test compounds and chromatographic separation conditions choice for column characterization in MLC are detailed. The chromatographic performance of several stationary phases that are used in MLC was evaluated with specific chromatographic test comprising nine test compounds, possessing different physico‐chemical properties, which were injected on different supports with two micellar mobile phases: one at pH 7.0 (0.075 mol/L SDS and 1.5% v/v 1‐pentanol), and other at pH 2.7 (0.075 mol/L SDS and 1.5% v/v 1‐pentanol adjusted to pH by TFA). Fundamental column chromatographic properties were obtained under these conditions and were treated by hierarchical cluster analysis. From the results of cluster analysis, two closely related groups of columns are distinguished, and it was shown that the chosen column characteristic parameters allow characterizing both sorbent and micellar chromatographic system properties. Eleven columns were analyzed by this test, which allows a comparison of columns with the aim of the selection of suitable and analogous column for the analysis with MLC.     

Comments on column characterization: A sulfur column

Summary The McReynolds' constants for liquid sulfur as a stationary phase in gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) are presented. A simple graphical method of pattern analysis is used to indicate the uniqueness of the sulfur column as compared with other stationary liquid phases characterized by McReynolds. The limitations of using a single factor (as polarity) for the basis for the selection of GLC columns is discussed.     

Expanding the Applications of the Ionic Liquids as GC Stationary Phases: Plasticizers and Synthetic Musks Fragrances

The exceptional properties of the ILs make them ideal for gas chromatography stationary phases. New stationary phases exhibiting good separation selectivity, high efficiency, and high thermal stability are in high demand. Recently, several gas chromatographic capillary columns containing IL stationary phases of various polarities have been introduced on the market. The aim of this work is to extend the applications of the ILs as GC column coatings. The effectiveness of five different commercial IL columns (SLB™-IL59, SLB™-IL76, SLB™-IL82, SLB™-IL100 and SLB™-IL111) for the analysis of two different families of emerging contaminants of environmental concern (plasticizers and synthetic musk fragrances) has been explored. The results obtained for these two families of compounds are compared with the ones obtained when using a (5 %-phenyl)-methylpolysiloxane column. For three of these IL columns, applications have not yet been described. Good resolution for the most of the studied emerging pollutants belonging to five different analytical groups (adipates, phthalates, macrocyclic musks, nitromusks and polycyclic musks) was achieved in all the IL columns.