In: Chemistry
A client brings a mixture to your lab for analyses. The client has done some preliminary analyses and has discovered that it is only composed of C, O, N, and H. The mixture is easily dissolved in several common organic solvents and the resultant solution is clear and colourless. The client tried to heat the sample, but the sample thermally decomposed at 280 °C to a black mass.
The client wants you to determine how many components are in the mixture. Select the best method of analysis.
Options:
Gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector
HPLC with a UV detector
Gas chromatography with an electron capture detector
Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector
Since, the compound contains C,O, N and H, it seems it is an organic compund. And at 280 oC temperature, the compund decomposes. That means, the given compound is volatile compound. So it can be concluded that the given unknown is a volatile organic compound.
For volatile organic compounds, Gas Chromatography equiped with Flame ionization detector is best suited among the given methods.
Thus, the correct option is "Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector".
Please recall that
Gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector ---- Used for gases like H2, O2 and N2
HPLC with a UV detector ---- Used for high boilng compounds having chromophore.
Gas chromatography with an electron capture detector--- Used for organic compounds boil upto 320 oC.
Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector--- Used for hydrocarbons and volatile organics with boiling point below 280 oC