Dramatic selectivity changes on carrier gas flow change in a series-coupled GC capillary tandem

We describe the polarity of selectivity of a GC separation system in terms of Retention Index data. In a series-coupled capillary system having stationary phases of differing polarity even slight (independent!) carrier gas flow changes in one part of the capillary series result in a dramatic change of selectivity. “Dramatic” is a relative term! Using a simple electronically controlled flow changing device we found retention index changes of several hundred units for polar test compounds such as phenols on a SE30/Carbowax tandem. This means: The classical theoretical model for understanding retention (and selectivity) in chromatography must be corrected. We propose a very simple approach involving addition of the expression RESIDENCE TIME to the chromatographic vocabulary. Instead of using flow resistors, one can just add a pressure regulator to the coupling point. A powerful analytical concept is now in easy reach.