GC behaviour of symmetrical n-dialkyl sulphides under isothermal and temperature programming conditions

Retention indices were determined for a homologous series of n-dialkyl sulphides on three stationary phases (SE-30, OV-17 and XE-60) under isothermal and linear temperature programming conditions. Under these two different GC conditions, equations were derived for each of the three stationary phases which showed the dependence of retention index on the number of carbon atoms and the boiling points for a homologous series of n-dialkyl sulphides. The equation for the correlation isothermal retention index was shown to be applicable to the identification of n-dialkyl sulphides using linear temperature programming. It was found that the GC behaviour of n-dialkyl sulphides makes these compounds suitable for use as a standard series instead of n-alkanes for the calculation of retention indices in GC analysis in which detectors insensitive to n-alkanes are employed. The use of the homologous series of n-dialkyl sulphides for the calculation of sulphide retention indices can be great practical importance in the microanalysis of natural compounds. We have used this method successfully in the analysis of pesticides containing S-atoms.     

Gas chromatographic retention indices of biologically and environmentally important organic compounds on capillary columns with low-polar stationary phases

This work presents linear temperature programmed retention indices on the columns with stationary phases of 5% phenylpolydimethyl silicone of 389 organic compounds, including extractive substances of plant tissues and environmentally important compounds. Certain factors which influence the values and reproducibility of retention indices during gas chromatographic analysis of multicomponent mixtures are discussed.     

石脑油样品的族组成分析

用气相色谱以程序升温方式分析了石脑油 ,并将各组分程序升温保留时间转换为恒温保留指数。以各组分在OV -1和SE -54固定相上、同一柱温下的保留指数差及在各柱上的温度系数为3因素进行斜交因子分析和本征矢量旋转 ,给出了石脑油样品的族组成值 ,经色谱 -质谱仪分析验证了结果的正确性 ,为石脑油样品的族组成分析提供了一种新方法。     

Gas chromatographic retention indices of fentanyl and analogues

Narcotic analgesics of the fentanyl class are characterized by high potency and relatively short duration of action. These compounds nowadays have become a substitute for heroine and are highly addictive for abusers. Herein, we report retention indices of fentanyl and its eighteen analogues relative to the homologous n-alkane series. These values are determined on a moderately polar BP-5 capillary column under programmed temperature and isothermal chromatographic conditions. The analogues differ in the substituent attached to the piperidine ring nitrogen, and retention indices are found to vary according to the nature of the substituent. The effects of chromatographic conditions like temperature programming rate, carrier gas flow rate, and oven temperature are studied. Retention indices are also determined on a non-polar BP-1 column to study the influence of stationary phase polarity. Standard deviation of all the RI values is less than one index unit.     

An accurate and easy procedure to obtain isothermal Kováts retention indices in gas chromatography

Isothermal Kováts retention indices may be used in GC for identification purposes, but they are also useful in characterisation of stationary phases and for studying structural and physico-chemical properties of both the analyte and the stationary phase. They are currently reported as whole numbers with an accuracy of one index unit for non-polar stationary phases. The method recommended for their calculation uses a linear regression model, although non-linear models have also been applied with good results. In both cases, a computer programme and the retention times of a series of n-alkanes that elute correctly and resolved from the other compounds are needed, conditions which cannot always be fulfilled. However, it is possible to calculate retention indices with an accuracy of 0.1 retention index units (0.2 units for packed columns) with the help of only three n-alkanes using just a pocket calculator or a computer spreadsheet. The main requirement is that at least one of the n-alkanes has a retention index differing by no more than one hundred retention index units from that of the analyte being investigated. Examples are given for different stationary phases.     

Effect of variations in gas chromatographic-conditions on the linear retention indices of selected chemical warfare agents

Temperature-programmed gas chromatographic retention indices, relative to n-alkane and n-alkylbis(trifluoromethyl)phosphine sulphide (M-standard) homologous series, were determined for nine chemical warfare agents using SE-54 fused-silica capillary columns. The influence of changes in the chromatographic conditions on the absolute values and on the reproducibility of the indices was evaluated. Nineteen parameters were investigated, with the purpose of discovering those most critical for the retention index monitoring of chemical warfare agents. The parameters most affecting the absolute value of the indices were the carrier gas flow-rate, the temperature programming rate and the properties of the column. Changes in conditions most strongly affected the indices of the low-volatility compounds O-ethyl S-2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothioate (VX) and dibenz[b,f]-1,4-oxazepin (CR). The reproducibility of the indices was good in every case, even when the absolute values of the indices changed. Retention index monitoring is thus a reliable method for preliminary identification of compounds in mixtures, provided that the chromatographic system is regularly tested with a test mixture and corrections to the chromatographic conditions or the retention index library data are made where necessary.     

Disengaging solutes in shale- and petroleum-derived jet fuels by altering GC programmed temperature rates

Overlapping chromatographic peaks of components from different hydrocarbon classes can be disengaged by exploiting their shifts in relative retention behavior with changes in linear rates of programmed temperature. Many co-eluting species in complex chromatograms of shale- and petroleum-derived jet fuels can be resolved without varying stationary phase, column length, or initial column temperature. Retention indices were simultaneously determined on two bonded-phase, fused silica capillary columns of slightly different polarities at three different linear programmed temperature rates. For certain hydrocarbon types, no change in index values was observed with an alteration in programming rate. However, the indices of other hydrocarbon classes shifted uniformly with programmed temperature rates on each of the two stationary phases. When applied, this phenomenon could help resolve coeluting members of different or even the same hydrocarbon type and elucidate their probable structure. The overall precision of the retention indices, i.e., the mean standard deviation at the 95% confidence levels, was less than ±0.13 for either column at any of the three programming rates. Since the above technique is automated, it could also be a useful screening tool to search for specific hydrocarbons in a myriad of unknown components of a complex hydrocarbon mixture.     

Gas chromatography of tricyclic spiro esters

Summary The separation of some tricyclic spiro esters on fused-silica capillary columns coated with dimethylsiloxane, cyanopropyl methyl siloxane and poly(ethylene glycol) stationary phases was investigated. Retention indices were determined at two temperatures to interpret their chromatographic behaviour. The repeatability of the measurements was 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 index units. The influence of the polarity of the stationary phases on the chromatographic retention of these tricyclic spiro esters is discussed.     

Predicting retention data by target factor analysis and multiple regression analysis

Target factor analysis is used to predict gas-chromatographic retention indices from a training-set data matrix for 13 solutes and 15 stationary phases. In the target-combination approach, sets of data vectors are target-tested in combination and the resulting coefficients for the best model are used for prediction. Retention indices for 42 solutes and 24 stationary phases are predicted to better than 1% even with a three-factor model. In the target free-float approach, values for missing retention indices on target test vectors are predicted. Predictions from sets of target-test data selected by chemical intuition are compared to those obtained from sets of target-test data selected by using models from the combination step. The target-combination approach and multiple-regression approach are overall of similar utility for predicting new data.     

Kovats and lee retention indices determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for organic compounds of environmental interest

Retention indices of standard organic compounds of environmental interest were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, using a DB-5 fused-silica capillary column. Retention indices are useful references for tentative compound identification by gas chromatography, or confirmation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. They provide elution order for isomers that might be indistinguishable based on mass spectra. Modified Kovats and Lee retention indices are given for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; sulfur heterocycles; nitrogen heterocycles; aromatic amines; oxygen heterocycles; phenols; alcohols; ketones; alkanes; nitriles; and methylesters of fatty, dicarboxylic, and aromatic acids for comparison and reference. Retention index values for heterocycles by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry are comparable with gas chromatography values previously reported.     

Comparability of retention indices of polar substances at elevated temperatures

Summary The non-linear dependency of the retention indices of drugs on temperature is demonstrated hence an indication of the actual working temperature is essential. Fixed temperatures for the determination of retention indices of drugs are proposed. Interlaboratory comparisons of the retention indices of 14 drugs frequently encountered in analytical practice are made for the first time on two stationary phases in three laboratories and on four GC apparatus. The data show that, in comparison with literature values, the interlaboratory deviation is reduced by 1/3 to 1/2 if same temperatures are used. Standardization of the temperature of determination of the retention indices of drugs and unknown substances in biological specimens on OV-1 and OV-17 is proposed.     

The effect of the trifluoropropyl group in polysiloxane stationary phases used for capillary gas chromatography

Four poly(methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl siloxanes) with trifluoro-propyl group content (group substitution) between 8 and 35 percent have been synthesized and characterized as stationary phases for gas chromatography in borosilicate glass capillary columns. Results are compared with those from two commercial stationary phases–a polydimethylsiloxane and a poly(methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl siloxane) with a fifty percent trifluoropropyl group content (group substitution). Retention index values, McReynolds constants, polarity (as defined by McReynolds) and retention polarity (as defined by Takács) increase regularly with the trifluoropropyl group content of the stationary phase. The temperature coefficient of the retention indices of the McReynolds probes, and that of the polarities, have been determined at temperatures between 60 and 180 °C. Specific retention volumes do not follow the linear dependence on trifluoropropyl group content observed for retention indices or polarities. Substances with electron-donor groups show maximum retention for a trifluoropropyl group content of ca 30%, whereas the retention of hydrocarbons, halogenated compounds, and alcohols decreases as the degree of trifluoropropyl group substitution increases from 0 to 50%. It is felt that a polysiloxane with a trifluoropropyl group content of ca 30 to 35% would be the best choice for the separation of ketones, nitro compounds or amines.     

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric characterization of all acyclic C5-C7 alkenes from fluid catalytic cracked gasoline using polydimethylsiloxane and squalane stationary phases

Published retention indices of acyclic alkenes C5-C7 on squalane and polydimethylsiloxane as stationary phases were investigated, and reliable retention indices of alkenes from various sources were converted to separation systems used in a laboratory. Retention indices measured on available authentic commercial alkenes and on alkenic fraction of gasoline, published retention indices as well as means of GC-MS were used for verification of calculated retention indices. Retention of some gas chromatographic unseparated isomer pairs was obtained by mass spectrometric deconvolution using a specific single-ion monitoring. On the basis of these retention data, C5-C7 alkenes were identified and analyzed in the gasoline from fluid catalytic cracking. In the gasoline all 59 acyclic C5-C7 isomeric alkenes were determined at significantly different concentration levels.     

Capillary gas chromatography of aromatic bicyclic and tricyclic spiro ketones

Summary The separation of some aromatic bicyclic and tricyclic spiro ketones on fused silica capillary columns coated with polydimethylsiloxane, cyanopropylmethylsiloxane and poly(ethylene glycol) stationary phases was investigated. Retention indices were determined at two temperatures in order to enable understanding of the compounds’ chromatographic behaviour. The respective standard deviation values were 0.8, 0.5 and 0.3 index units. The influence of the polarity of the stationary phases on the chromatographic retention of these cyclic spiro ketones is discussed.     

Improving the accuracy of Kováts' retention indices in isothermal gas chromatography

Isothermal Kováts' retention indices are currently reported as whole numbers, and are frequently deduced from a linear least mean squares fitting of the logarithms of adjusted retention times of a number of n-alkanes versus carbon number, following an iterative method that minimises errors. The currently accepted accuracy is about one retention index unit for apolar stationary phases, and lower for polar stationary phases. This paper presents results that show how the accuracy of the retention index may be safely reported to one-tenth of a retention index unit by the use of a non-linear equation, with present day gas chromatographs without electronic flow controllers. Results are presented that prove the correctness of the retention indices found for several substances on one particular capillary column. Hints on the minimum retention times needed to achieve the 0.1 retention index accuracy are mentioned, for retention times recorded in minutes and in seconds. According to results of this paper, two chromatograms, run under the appropriate conditions, are sufficient to obtain the desired accuracy. The method proposed in this paper does not require knowledge of the hold-up time of the chromatogram.     

Sensitivity of the methylbenzenes and chlorobenzenes retention index to column temperature, stationary phase polarity, and-number and chemical nature of substituents

Retention indices of methylbenzenes and chlorobenzenes on two fused silica capillary columns, HP-5 (diphenylsiloxane 5% diphenyldimethylsiloxane) and ZB-WAX (polyethylene glycol), have been calculated at various isothermal temperatures and compared with literature data. The retention index temperature effect was studied for each solute, finding greater retention index the higher the column temperature. A comparison between the straight line fit and the fit to the recently proposed equation I = A + B/T +C ln T was carried out. The effect of the stationary phase polarity on the retention index was checked. In general, a greater retention index was found for the more polar stationary phase. The retention indices of the chlorobenzenes are greater than the retention indices of the methylbenzenes, irrespective of the stationary phase and the column temperature. In addition, the influence of the methyl/chlorine substitution on the benzene molecule was investigated at each temperature. The retention indices increased as the number of substituents (methyl/chlorine) increased. The retention index increments of methyl and chloro derivatives are also discussed, which permits to compare the effect of both, methyl or chlorine, chemical functions, for a fixed substituent number in the benzene molecule.     

Prediction of the Retention Indices of Benzene and Methylbenzenes Based on their Retention Data-Physico Chemical Properties Relationship

Retention indices of benzene and 12 methylbenzenes were determined on two capillary columns coated with HP-5 and ZB-WAX at 100 °C. Comparison with the retention indices published by other researchers yields a good accordance. The relationship between the retention index values and several physico-chemical properties of these solutes (freezing point, boiling point, molar volume, van der Waals volume, molar refraction, refraction index, connectivity index, dipole moment and vapor pressure) was investigated by multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA). MLRA equations of seven and eight variables predicted retention indices with mean deviations of 0.66–0.97 index-units in squalane and Carbowax 20 M, and 0.76–1.25 index-units in HP-5 and ZB-WAX. PCA was applied to the system of solutes retention data and stationary phases used, giving results consistent with those of MLR analysis. Samples are scattered or joined by curves. An arrangement of the stationary phases according to the polarity is observed. TCEP was one outlier since it is much more polar than any others.Two groups of variables can be envisaged, one of which is close to the origin of the coordinates, the physicochemical properties that depend linearly. Solute vapor pressure and molar volumes were outliers.