Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography applied to the analysis of complex mixtures

Abstract

Abstract Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography is applicable to the analysis of complex petroleum mixtures. A kerosene sample analyzed by this method generates over six thousand chromatographic peaks. The chromatogram is orthogonal such that the second dimension separation is independent of the first. Aliphatics, aromatics, and naphthalene derivatives form distinct bands of peaks on the chromatographic plane with further subdivisions within each band based on chemical structure. With a nonpolar first column and a moderately polar second column, the first dimension separation is based largely on substance volatility while the second dimension separation is based on polarity. Each chromatographic peak has a pair of characteristic retention times, providing a more reliable identification. Peak capacity is much greater than that obtainable from any one‐dimensional separation.