Liquid chromatography (LC) is a separation technique used to separate compounds that are dissolved in a liquid mobile phase. The mobile phase carries the sample through a column containing a stationary phase. Components of the sample interact differently with the stationary phase, causing them to elute at different times. This allows for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures.
Gas chromatography (GC) is another separation technique, but unlike LC, the mobile phase is a gas (usually an inert gas like helium or nitrogen). GC is used to separate volatile compounds β substances that can be vaporized without decomposing. The vaporized sample is carried through a column containing a stationary phase, and separation occurs based on the different affinities of the compounds for the stationary phase.
| Feature | Liquid Chromatography (LC) | Gas Chromatography (GC) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phase | Liquid | Gas |
| Sample Type | Non-volatile and Thermally Labile Compounds | Volatile and Thermally Stable Compounds |
| Temperature Control | Often performed at or near room temperature | Requires precise temperature programming |
| Detection | UV-Vis, Fluorescence, Mass Spectrometry, Electrochemical | Flame Ionization Detector (FID), Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD), Mass Spectrometry |
| Boiling Point Requirements | No boiling point requirement | Sample must be able to be vaporized |
| Derivatization | Less frequently required | Often required to increase volatility |
| Applications | Pharmaceuticals, proteins, polymers, environmental monitoring | Petrochemicals, fragrances, environmental analysis, forensics |
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