Multidimensional GC

The concept of (heart-cutting) multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC) was introduced shortly after the invention of gas chromatography (GC). In that first experiment, the term “two-stage” was used to define the multidimensional process in applications involving the heart‑cutting of four hydrocarbon fractions, ranging from C5 to C8. The latter were separated first on a nonpolar packed column, and then on a polar one. A rather complex combination of valves enabled two-dimensional (2D) analysis. The great potential of the approach became immediately evident.

This article provides a short overview of the theory and practice of the rapidly developing field of two‑dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). Included in the discussion are a summary of the detectors used, an assessment of the options available for modulating the first-column eluate, and some recent developments in methodologies for interpreting the results.

The enhanced separation power of two-dimensional (2D) chromatography has become accessible thanks to the commercialization of dedicated two-dimensional systems. However, with great separation power comes great system complexity. All two-dimensional systems require a means for collecting and transferring fractions of the first dimension to the second dimension typically via a loop-based interface in on-line methods. It is important to collect a sufficient number of fractions to prevent loss of the first dimension resolution; that is, the sampling rate must be sufficient to prevent undersampling. Another key parameter to consider is selectivity. By coupling two selectivities that have unrelated retention mechanisms we are able to exploit the different physiochemical characteristics of the sample we wish to separate. This is the concept behind the term orthogonality. By coupling orthogonal selectivities and reducing under‑sampling, our system should be able to achieve the theoretical maximum two-dimensional peak

Deans switch two dimensional gas chromatography is a powerful tool for identification and quantitation of trace components in a complex matrix. With this setup, operators no longer work in the dark. MDGCsolution software makes the heart-cut easy and straightforward.

In this article comprehensive GCxGC–qMS is shown to be a suitable tool for targeted and untargeted analysis in the flavours and fragrances industry.

GCxGC started out as a specialized technique. However, the technique and it's instrumentation have evolved significantly in the past decade. Does it make sense to use GCxGC in routine analysis?

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Frank L. Dorman of Penn State University talks about the evolution of GCxGC and the key advantages and disadvantages of the technique, including why fear of its complexity gets in the way of its broader use.

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Here, a method to characterize edible oils and edible oil mixtures through fingerprinting and the isolation of individual analyte differences is reported. Aroma and flavor analytes in extra virgin olive, olive, peanut, grapeseed, and vegetable oils were sampled with headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME).

Pulsed-flow-modulated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection was used to separate and identify all common sulphur compounds found in natural gas.

LECO Corporation

A method able to quantitate odorants at levels as low as 100 ppb (v/v)

A carefully chosen analytical technique can enhance the inherent advantages of passive sampling of watercourses over more traditional "grab" or "spot" sampling.

Invented by J. Phillips in 1989, comprehensive GCXGC has strong chromatographic resolving power; from its original petrochemical applications it has been extended to many others. However, coelutions with matrix peaks are often observed and a higher separation power is required.

One fast, simple QuEChERS extraction for a broad range of pesticides.

An excerpt from LCGC's e-learning tutorial on multidimensional GC at CHROMacademy.com.

Achieving efficient analyte transfer between columns is critical to gaining the benefits of multidimensional GC.

An excerpt from LCGC's e-learning tutorial on HPLC on multidimensional GC at Chromacademy.com.

Comprehensive GCÃ-GC(qMS) provides a maximum chromatographic separation power in gas chromatography (GC). Combining it with the highly selective negative chemical ionization (NCI) mode gives highest sensitivity for electrophilic molecules like trichloroanisole and tribromoanisole.

The International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) has established its reputation as forum for microcolumn separation techniques and, over the years, the most important developments in capillary gas chromatography, microcolumn liquid chromatography and electromigration techniques have been presented in this symposium series.