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LCGC Europe

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) are suitable for screening very polar trace organic compounds in environmental water samples. The polarity range of separable compounds in SFC is as broad as the polarity range of the serial coupling of reversed‑phase liquid chromatography and HILIC (reversed-phase LC–HILIC). In this article the orthogonality of SFC and reversed-phase LC–HILIC is assessed. It is shown that both techniques are highly orthogonal and complementary. The parallel use of the two techniques offers additional benefits for the compound monitoring of, for example, pharmaceuticals in surface waters, or the identification of unknown compounds in complex samples.

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LCGC Europe

“The column is the heart of the separation.” Perhaps more accurately, the column is where the chemistry that generates a separation happens. For chemists and non-chemists alike, the chemistry that drives the utility of a column to solve a separation problem can be complex and confusing. Selectivity describes the ability of a column to effect a separation. This instalment of “GC Connections” focuses on selectivity, its definition, and its importance for generating separations and resolution. We will also see how selectivity is the concept that underlies the idea of column polarity. We begin by asking two simple questions about common observations, then extend these observations into a capillary gas chromatography (GC) column, and conclude with an introduction to methods for evaluating the quality, selectivity, and polarity of a stationary phase or column.

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LCGC Europe

The 47th International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques (HPLC 2018), chaired by Norman Dovichi, was held from 29 July to 2 August in Washington, D.C., USA. This instalment of “Column Watch” covers some of the highlights observed at the symposium. In addition, trends and perspectives on future developments in HPLC noted from the conference are presented.

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Special Issues

This study assesses whether two commonly used plastic packaging materials are safe for use. Their potential migrants are analyzed using data-independent acquisition and liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution, accurate-mass mass spectrometry.

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Special Issues

A discussion of challenges in mycotoxin analysis, a new multi-analyte method that does not require sample cleanup, and how analytical chemistry can help reduce contamination by these toxins along the food chain.

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The Column

Molar mass distributions, molar mass averages, and polydispersity can be determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and gel filtration chromatography (GFC). This makes this technique indispensable for all scientists in quality control (QC) and R&D who have to work with large molecules. However, the technical terms used can be quite confusing for beginners. This instalment of Tips & Tricks explains more.

The Column

Process chromatography, in particular process gas chromatography (GC), is a well‑established technique within the oil and gas, refining, and petrochemical industry. The technique is generally used in process plants to determine product quality and yield.