Question 1

GC detection methods — Which of the following is generally NOT used as a routine detector directly coupled to a gas chromatograph?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Gas chromatography is paired with a variety of detectors. Common pairings include universal or selective GC detectors (FID, TCD, ECD), spectrometric detectors like MS and IR, and electrolytic conductivity detectors for specific heteroatoms. NMR, while powerful structurally, is rarely used as an online GC detector in routine analysis. Given Data / Assumptions: FID is the most widely used GC detector for organics. GC–MS and GC–IR couplings exist and are well-established. Electrolytic conductivity detectors (e.g., halogen-specific/Hall, sulfur chemiluminescence variants) are used for targeted detection. NMR typically requires liquid-phase samples and longer acquisition times; specialized GC–NMR setups are rare and not routine. Concept / Approach: Eliminate commonly used GC detectors and keep the modality that is impractical as a routine inline detector. NMR’s hardware, sensitivity, and flow coupling limitations make it the outlier. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify standard GC detectors: FID, MS, selective electrolytic detectors → routinely used.IR can be coupled (GC–IR) especially for structural group verification.NMR is not typically employed inline with GC in routine labs. Verification / Alternative check: Survey of analytical labs and instrument catalogs shows widespread GC–MS/FID, occasional GC–IR, but almost no GC–NMR systems outside research settings. Why Other Options Are Wrong: a,c,d,e) All are established GC detection approaches. Common Pitfalls: Assuming IR is not used with GC; GC–IR interfaces exist (light-pipe, matrix isolation), though less common than GC–MS. Final Answer: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

Question 2

Chromatography—Effect of Slow, Large-Volume Injections on Peak Quality and Separation In liquid or gas chromatography, what is the most likely outcome on peak shape and separation (resolution) when a relatively large sample volume is introduced via …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Chromatographic resolution depends on column efficiency, selectivity, and retention. The injection process, particularly the volume and rate at which sample is delivered to the head of the column, strongly influences initial band width. A slow injection of a large volume typically broadens the starting band, degrading separation quality. Given Data / Assumptions: Injection is performed as a comparatively slow introduction. Sample volume is larger than optimal for the column dimensions and phase ratio. All other parameters (mobile phase, temperature, flow) are unchanged. Concept / Approach: Resolution (Rs) is inversely affected by extra-column and injection-related dispersion. When the sample occupies the column inlet for an extended time, longitudinal diffusion and convection spread the analyte plug before partitioning reaches steady-state. The result is broader peaks and a lower plate count, reducing Rs even if selectivity remains constant. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize that slow, large-volume injections increase initial band width (w0) at the column inlet.Broader initial bands propagate through the column as broader peaks at the detector.Broader peaks overlap more, decreasing chromatographic resolution (Rs).Therefore, the dominant effect is a net decrease in resolution. Verification / Alternative check: Instrument method development guidelines recommend fast, narrow injections (small volumes, strong-to-weak solvent matching) to minimize injection-band dispersion. Empirically, switching to a smaller, faster injection improves peak sharpness and Rs. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Non-linear detector response usually results from excessive analyte concentration or detector saturation, not merely slow, large-volume injection. Increased or constant resolution contradicts the physics of band broadening at the inlet. Improved symmetry is not guaranteed; overloading and solvent mismatch often worsen tailing or fronting. Common Pitfalls: Confusing sample mass overloading (concentration effect) with volumetric/injection-profile dispersion; both can degrade resolution but via different mechanisms. Final Answer: Decreased resolution

Question 3

Gas Chromatography—What Is Column Bleed? In capillary GC, the term “column bleeding” refers to which phenomenon under typical operating conditions (especially at elevated oven temperatures)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: “Column bleed” is a common term in gas chromatography describing a baseline rise or noise as the oven temperature increases. Understanding the source of bleed helps diagnose baseline issues and decide when a column has aged or is being over-stressed by method conditions. Given Data / Assumptions: Capillary GC column using a polymeric stationary phase (e.g., polysiloxane). Method includes temperature programming to high oven temperatures. No catastrophic mechanical damage is indicated. Concept / Approach: At elevated temperatures, very small amounts of the stationary phase can thermally degrade or volatilize, slowly eluting and causing a baseline elevation or drift at the detector. This is termed “column bleed.” It is distinct from mechanical leakage or analyte tailing. Step-by-Step Solution: Increase in oven temperature → slight volatilization/fragmentation of stationary phase.Tiny stationary phase fragments elute and reach the detector.Detector registers a rising baseline (bleed), especially on sensitive detectors (e.g., MS). Verification / Alternative check: Bleed often scales with temperature and column age; switching to a low-bleed phase or lowering maximum temperature reduces the effect. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Extended analyte elution describes retention, not bleed. Cracked columns or injuries are mechanical issues, not the definition of bleed. Septum debris relates to inlet contamination, not stationary-phase elution. Common Pitfalls: Misattributing elevated baselines to contamination rather than inherent high-temperature bleed. Always check method maximum temperature versus column limits. Final Answer: Elution of traces of the stationary phase from the column

Question 4

Chromatography Fundamentals—Meaning of the Selectivity Factor (α) In chromatographic method development, what does the selectivity factor describe for a pair of analytes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The selectivity factor, commonly denoted α, is a central parameter in chromatographic resolution. Along with efficiency (plate number, N) and retention, α governs how distinctly two analytes are separated by a given stationary/mobile phase combination. Given Data / Assumptions: Two analytes elute with different retention factors (k values). Peak broadening is comparable between the two analytes. Isocratic or gradient elution context, definition of α remains the ratio of adjusted retentions. Concept / Approach: Selectivity describes how differently two analytes interact with the chromatographic system. Formally, α = k2 / k1 (with k2 > k1), or equivalently the ratio of adjusted retention times. Larger α means greater relative separation for the same efficiency and capacity, directly improving resolution without changing peak widths. Step-by-Step Solution: Define retention factor: k = (tR − t0) / t0.Assign the later-eluting analyte as species 2; compute α = k2 / k1.Interpretation: α > 1 indicates selectivity; increasing α enhances baseline separation. Verification / Alternative check: Resolution equation shows Rs increases with α for fixed N and k-averages, highlighting the importance of selectivity tuning (e.g., mobile-phase composition, temperature, stationary phase chemistry). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Peak width differences relate to efficiency/tailing, not selectivity. “Maximum number of species” concerns peak capacity—distinct from α. Detector linear range is unrelated to selectivity. Common Pitfalls: Confusing selectivity (α) with resolution (Rs) or retention (k); each contributes differently to separation performance. Final Answer: The relative separation between two species (e.g., ratio of their retention factors)

Question 5

Gas Chromatography—Why Is Helium Commonly Chosen as Carrier Gas? Compared with nitrogen and hydrogen, why is helium frequently preferred as the carrier gas in many GC applications?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The choice of carrier gas in GC affects efficiency, analysis speed, safety, and detector compatibility. Helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen are common options; each has trade-offs. Understanding why helium is widely used clarifies method robustness and safety. Given Data / Assumptions: Typical capillary GC with temperature programming. Standard detectors (FID, TCD, MS) are considered. Safety and chromatographic performance are both important. Concept / Approach: Helium is inert and non-flammable, reducing side reactions and safety risks (versus hydrogen). Its diffusivity and viscosity yield a Van Deemter curve with a relatively flat minimum at practical linear velocities, enabling faster runs with good efficiency compared with nitrogen. It also works well with many detectors, especially MS (vacuum compatibility) and TCD, yielding stable baselines. Step-by-Step Solution: Assess chemical reactivity: helium is noble/inert → minimizes analyte or hardware reactions.Evaluate mass transfer: helium permits higher optimal linear velocities than nitrogen → shorter run times at similar efficiency.Confirm detector compatibility: helium is standard for MS interfaces and common detectors.Therefore, the comprehensive reason is best captured by “All of the above.” Verification / Alternative check: Method translations between gases show helium and hydrogen enable faster analysis than nitrogen; helium remains preferred where hydrogen’s flammability is a concern. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each single reason (a–c) is true but incomplete; option (e) is frivolous and not scientific. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring safety protocols for hydrogen; while it can outperform helium in speed, flammability demands strict controls. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 6

Scaling Column Length—How Does Resolution Change? When a chromatographic column's length is doubled (all other conditions kept constant), by what factor does the theoretical resolution increase?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Chromatographic resolution depends on plate number (N), selectivity (α), and retention. Plate number scales with column length (L), and resolution scales with the square root of N. Therefore, changing column length has a predictable, sublinear effect on resolution. Given Data / Assumptions: Stationary phase chemistry, particle size/film thickness, and mobile phase conditions remain constant. Linear velocity is adjusted to maintain similar efficiency per unit length. Peak shapes and selectivity do not change with length. Concept / Approach: Since N ∝ L, doubling L doubles N. Resolution follows Rs ∝ sqrt(N) when α and k are constant. Thus, doubling L increases Rs by sqrt(2), about 1.41×, not twofold. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize scaling: N2 / N1 = L2 / L1 = 2.Apply resolution relationship: Rs2 / Rs1 = sqrt(N2 / N1) = sqrt(2).Compute sqrt(2) ≈ 1.41 → resolution increases by approximately 41%. Verification / Alternative check: Empirical method translation tools reproduce the 1.41× gain when only length is doubled under matched conditions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 2×, 3×, 4×: overestimate gains; resolution grows with sqrt(N), not linearly with L. No change: contradicts theory and practice. Common Pitfalls: Expecting linear improvement, which leads to unnecessary pressure and time costs for modest resolution gains. Final Answer: 2^0.5 (approximately 1.41×)

Gas Chromatography Questions