What type of compounds are usually analyzed using gas chromatography?

What type of compounds are usually analyzed using gas chromatography?

• A. Non-volatile solids
• B. Inorganic salts
• C. Volatile organic compounds
• D. Polymeric substances

Answer: (C)

Gas chromatography is primarily used to analyze volatile organic compounds because these substances can easily transition from the liquid or solid phase into the gas phase without undergoing decomposition. This technique separates compounds based on their volatility and interaction with the stationary phase of the chromatography column. Volatile organic compounds have low boiling points, which allows them to vaporize and travel through the column efficiently. This property is essential for effective separation and detection, making gas chromatography an ideal method for analyzing compounds such as solvents, fragrances, and various organic chemicals commonly found in environmental samples. In contrast, non-volatile solids, inorganic salts, and polymeric substances are not suitable for gas chromatography as they do not readily vaporize or would decompose rather than transition into a gas phase. Therefore, the ability of volatile organic compounds to vaporize and be analyzed makes them the primary focus of gas chromatography.

Gas chromatography is primarily used to analyze volatile organic compounds because these substances can easily transition from the liquid or solid phase into the gas phase without undergoing decomposition. This technique separates compounds based on their volatility and interaction with the stationary phase of the chromatography column.

Volatile organic compounds have low boiling points, which allows them to vaporize and travel through the column efficiently. This property is essential for effective separation and detection, making gas chromatography an ideal method for analyzing compounds such as solvents, fragrances, and various organic chemicals commonly found in environmental samples.

In contrast, non-volatile solids, inorganic salts, and polymeric substances are not suitable for gas chromatography as they do not readily vaporize or would decompose rather than transition into a gas phase. Therefore, the ability of volatile organic compounds to vaporize and be analyzed makes them the primary focus of gas chromatography.