Concepts and comparisons in multidimensional separation

Abstract

Abstract Multidimensional separation methodology provides a mechanism for a very substantial increase in the resolving power of chromatographic and related systems. After defining the conditions required for multidimensional separation and reviewing the origin of its high resolving power, a comparison is drawn between the two principal kinds of multidimensional systems, represented by continuous two‐dimensional operation and coupled column assemblies. It is shown that their roles are complementary. The two‐dimensional system gives a broad powerful overview of a sample while the coupled column system can be used flexibly to magnify and resolve selected regions of the sample space.