Analytical Chromatography

Gas chromatography (GC) is a common chromatography technique used in analytical chemistry for separation and analysis of compounds that vaporize without decomposition. It involves a sample being vaporized and injected onto the head of the chromatographic column. Sample is transported through the column by the flow of inert, gaseous mobile phase. The column itself contains a liquid stationary phase which is adsorbed onto the surface of an inert solid. Non-polar GC columns separate compounds mainly by their boiling points while polar columns offer additional separation based on compounds’ polarity.