Question

What type of sample is ideal for supercritical fluid extraction? And what type of sample is ideal for supercritical fluid chromatagraphy? Please explain the samples characteristics that make them ideal for each technique. Thank you!

Answer 1

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is the process of separating one component (the extractant) from another (the matrix) using supercritical fluids that is CO₂ as the extracting solvent.instead of organic solvents such as hexane and methylene chloride to extract chemical compounds from a solid matrix (sometimes also from liquids). Near the critical point the density of a SCF is extremely sensitive to minor changes in temperature and pressure.

Extraction of active ingredients of pharmaceuticals and desolvation of pharmaceutical tablets, essential oils, fat-soluble vitamins, anti-oxidants, flavors, fragrances from natural products, neutraceuticals, fermentation broth, protein purification, fractionation of polymeric materials, pre-processing of samples prior to chromatographic separation (for example analyzing trace pesticides in soil and on food products).

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is a hybrid of gas and liquid chromatography. Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) permits the separation and determination of a group of compounds that are not conveniently handled by either gas or liquid chromatography. These compounds include either nonvolatile or thermally labile so that gas chromatography cannot be used and they do not contain functional groups that make possible detection by liquid chromatography. SFC has been applied to the separation of natural products, drugs, foods, pesticides and herbicides, fossil fuels, explosives and propellants.