Separation of chlorinated solvents

Importance of the Topic

Chlorinated solvents are widely used in industrial applications and environmental monitoring, requiring rapid and reliable analytical methods to detect trace-level contaminants. Efficient separation is critical to ensure accurate quantification and compliance with regulatory standards.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a 12-minute gas chromatographic method for separating 19 chlorinated solvents using an Agilent CP-Select 624 CB column. The primary goal is to achieve baseline resolution of common chlorinated compounds for routine environmental analysis.

Methodology

• Gas chromatograph equipped with a wide-bore inlet and flame ionization detector (FID).
• Column: 30 m × 0.53 mm CP-Select 624 CB fused silica WCOT, 3.0 µm film thickness.
• Carrier gas: Nitrogen at 10 mL/min.
• Temperature program: 50 °C initial, 10 °C/min ramp to 200 °C.
• Injection: Direct, 0.02 µL sample at inlet temperature of 250 °C.
• Detection: FID at 250 °C.

Key Results and Discussion

The optimized protocol resolved all 19 target compounds within 12 minutes, delivering sharp, symmetrical peaks and clear separation across a volatility range from dichloroethylenes to dichlorobenzenes. Baseline resolution and minimal coelution allow confident identification and quantification.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Short analysis time accelerates sample throughput in environmental laboratories.
• Applicable to water, soil, and air quality testing for chlorinated solvent contaminants.
• Meets QA/QC and regulatory requirements with reliable performance.
• Cost-effective use of nitrogen carrier gas and standard FID detection.

Instrumentation

• Agilent gas chromatograph with wide-bore inlet.
• CP-Select 624 CB column (30 m × 0.53 mm, 3.0 µm).
• Flame ionization detector (FID).
• Nitrogen carrier gas system.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements poised to enhance this workflow include integration of mass spectrometric detection for greater selectivity, shorter columns with faster temperature programming, adoption of greener carrier gases, and fully automated high-throughput platforms for large-scale environmental screening.

Conclusion

The described GC method delivers a fast, robust solution for comprehensive separation of chlorinated solvents, offering significant advantages for routine environmental and industrial QA/QC laboratories.