Pyrolysis and gas chromatographic examination of phytol and isoprenoid hydrocarbons: Pre-calculation of retention indices by computer

For the identification of isoprenoid-type compounds and other degradation products derived from the pyrolysis of phytol and plant pigments, a calculation method was developed to the evaluate the chromatograms, determining the retention indices or net retention volumes of different compounds. Calculations were made by means of computer for different stationary phases and temperatures. Gas chromatographic and derivatographic measurements were made with natural plant pigments and phytol, including the thermal degradation of the compounds mentioned above. Close agreement was found between the measured and calculated data and with literature data.