Correlation of the retention data of polyaromatic hydrocarbons obtained on various stationary phases used in normal- and reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Summary The correlation between the retention data of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) obtained in normal-and reversed-phase liquid chromatography is investigated in order to determine the dominant factors controlling the retention. It is clear that the separation of PAHs on various chemically-bonded packing materials in normal- and/or reversed-phase modes is primarily controlled by the molecular structure and shape. The -electron interaction between the solute and the stationary phase also contributes to the retention, although pure silica shows a somewhat different behavior.