"GC Connections” keeps readers up to date on the latest in methods, techniques, technologies, and best practices for gas chromatography. Columnist Nicholas H. Snow is the founding endowed professor of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Seton Hall University. He is interested in the fundamentals and applications of separation science, especially gas chromatography, sampling, and sample preparation for chemical analysis. His research group is very active, with ongoing projects using GC, GC–MS, two-dimensional GC, and extraction methods including headspace, liquid–liquid extraction, and solid-phase microextraction.

Column: GC Connections

Columns

Articles

Using the flame ionization detector (FID) as an example, we explain how the detector in a GC system generates a signal and how it is processed into chromatograms, and explore modern aspects of storing and processing digital data.

From Detector to Decision: How Does the GC Instrument Generate Your Data? 

In gas chromatography, heating the sample in the inlet can lead to sample losses and loss of quantitative reproducibility, but these problems can be avoided using cold sample introduction. Here, we explain the various types of cold injection and why you should consider it in your next instrument purchase or upgrade.

Beat the Heat: Cold Injections in Gas Chromatography

Our annual review of new gas chromatography (GC) products introduced in the past 12 months.

New Gas Chromatography Products for 2019–2020

Successful GC analysis requires careful control of carrier gas. Here, we explain how to measure and control flow rate, use constant pressure vs. constant flow, and more.

Go With the Flow: Thinking About Carrier Gas Flow in GC

After 32 years as a columnist, John Hinshaw writes his final “GC Connections” article, examining how GC has changed over the years and considering where it might go in the future.

Thirty-two Years Connecting with Gas Chromatography

Multidimensional chromatography combining HPLC and GC, or LC–GC, sounds simple, but several factors complicate this combination, including solvent compatibility, separation time, and sample concentration.

Online LC–GC: The Ultimate “GC Connection”

Although manufacturers ship gas chromatographs with a collection of consumable parts and accessories, a number of other essential items should be on hand in every GC laboratory. What items are needed and how can they be used most effectively?

Essential GC Accessories

Temperature programming is used in most capillary GC separations, but many analysts lack a good understanding of the principles behind this approach.

Temperature Programmed GC: Why Are All Those Peaks So Sharp?

Two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) is becoming the technique of choice for analysis of highly complex samples such as petroleum, pharmaceuticals, biological materials, food, flavors, and fragrances. Here, we explain how GCxGC works and provide examples that illustrate its advantages.

GCxGC: From Research to Routine

By taking simple proactive troubleshooting steps, GC users can ensure that instruments will operate correctly over time, thus avoiding workflow disruptions.