Determination of thermodynamic characteristics from retention data in GC

Summary Retention data have been measured for model substances of different polarities under isothermal conditions at several temperatures using capillary columns coated with Carbowax-20M and SP-2100 stationary phases. By using the k capacity ratios obtained for various temperatures the thermodynamic characteristics of the partition process were determined. For homologous series linear relationships can be established between thermodynamic characteristics and carbon number. Thermodynamic characteristics can be used both to compare and evaluate column quality and to predict retention indices for different temperatures and linear programmed temperature conditions.Dedicated to Professor J. F. K. Huber on the occasion of his 60th birthday.