Effect of temperature programming on separation and quantitative analysis of organics using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector

The temperature of the column constitutes a crucial parameter in gas chromatography experiments and necessitates precise control for accurate investigation. Adjustment of temperature is performed to induce alterations in the equilibrium, thereby affecting the retention time throughout the analysis. The current investigation successfully examined the impact of temperature programming on separations of natural products such as hydrocarbons, as well as their analysis in a commercial cleaning solvent (Wessex Triple X) using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of separation is significantly influenced by the column temperature, with the gradient program (40°C to 100°C at 20°C/min) proving to be more efficient than isothermal programs (40°C and 50°C). Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of a commercial cleaning solvent revealed the presence of cyclohexane and p-xylene, with concentrations of 193±2 ppm and 359±5 ppm, respectively. Enhanced values for Nplates, the height equivalent of theoretical plates, and resolution were achieved with the implementation of a gradient temperature program. Thus, leading to improved separation.