A simple detection system for gas chromatography based on molecular absorption spectrometry in the gas phase

Summary A simple and inexpensive detection system for gas chromatography, based on gas-phase, molecular absorption measurements, is presented in which the chromatographic column is directly joined to the spectrophotometer flow cell, without heated transfer lines. A mixture of eight benzene compounds (including methyl, halogen and nitrogen derivatives) were separated and analyzed. Parameters affecting separation (temperature program and carrier gas flow) and measurement quality (wavelength and integration time) were studied and a measurement program designed to modify the wavelength during chromatography. The analytical characteristics of each compound were calculated, obtaining detection limits ranging from 0.5 to 9 g mL^–1. Finally, the method was applied to several synthetic mixtures, with good results.