Halogenated hydrocarbons - Analysis of chlorinated volatiles and C1-C6 hydrocarbons

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography separation of chlorinated volatiles and C1-C6 hydrocarbons plays a key role in environmental analysis, process monitoring, and safety assessment. Accurate quantification of compounds such as chloromethane and vinyl chloride is essential due to their toxicity and regulatory limits. Rapid and reliable methods improve throughput and data quality.

Objectives and Overview

This application note demonstrates a GC-FID method using an Agilent CP-SilicaPLOT capillary column to separate nine target analytes within a 14-minute runtime. The goal is to achieve baseline separation and stable peak shapes for both hydrocarbons and chlorinated compounds at trace levels.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Gas chromatography with capillary column: Agilent CP-SilicaPLOT, 30 m x 0.32 mm ID, df=4 µm
• Oven temperature program: initial 30°C for 2 min, ramp 10°C/min to 250°C
• Carrier gas: helium at 210 kPa (2.1 bar)
• Injector: split mode (1:100), 200°C
• Detection: flame ionisation detector at 300°C
• Sample: 1.0 mL gas injection, standard mix at 100 ppm in N2

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieves clear separation of methane, ethane, propane, butane, chloromethane, vinyl chloride, pentane, chloroethane, and hexane. Notably, chloromethane and vinyl chloride are well resolved from hydrocarbon peaks, enabling accurate quantification. Peak shapes exhibit good symmetry and retention reproducibility under the described conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Fast analysis time of 14 minutes enhances sample throughput
• High resolution allows trace level detection and compliance monitoring
• Robust column performance ensures consistent results across runs
• Applicable to environmental, petrochemical, and quality control labs

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing developments in stationary phase chemistry may further improve selectivity for halogenated organics. Coupling with mass spectrometric detectors offers enhanced identification and lower detection limits. Automated sampling and data processing will streamline workflows in field and remote monitoring.

Conclusion

The presented GC-FID method on a CP-SilicaPLOT column provides a rapid, reliable, and reproducible approach for separating key chlorinated volatiles and small hydrocarbons. It meets analytical needs for environmental and industrial applications.

Reference

Agilent Technologies Inc. Application Note A01289, Halogenated Hydrocarbons Analysis of Chlorinated Volatiles and C1-C6 Hydrocarbons. 2011