The characteristic function method in the stochastic theory of chromatography

Abstract

The stochastic theory of chromatography is reconsidered through the fundamental characteristic function method of the\nprobability theory. The means of obtaining expressions for plate height H, specific asymmetry Z, and specific flatness F\nis described, and six different chromatographic models of progressively greater complexity are analyzed. All the models\nassume a constant mobile-phase velocity and equal sorption sites and do not take into account flow pattern and mobile-phase\ndiffusion effects. The role of the random nature of both the stationary-phase entries and the sorption processes is considered\nfrom a general point of view. The rate of convergence toward the Gaussian law is described by using the general Berry-Essden\ntheorem of the probability theory, and the approximation properties of the Edgeworth-Cramer series are described for a\ngeneral chromatographic model. Examples of mixed retention on a single site by a bifunctional solute molecule are given,\nand influence on the peak shape is described.