2-Butanol, n-C13 and 4.4 dimethyl-2-pentanone

Importance of the Topic

High-speed separation of volatile organic compounds such as 2-butanol, n-tridecane and 4,4-dimethyl-2-pentanone is essential in energy and fuels analysis. Rapid, reliable methods improve throughput in quality control laboratories and support the monitoring of process streams in petrochemical industries.

Objectives and Overview

This application note demonstrates a gas chromatographic procedure using an Agilent TCEP capillary column to achieve full separation of three analytes within ten minutes. The study focuses on method robustness and reproducibility under defined temperature, flow and injection conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analytical workflow employs a GC-capillary system with nitrogen as carrier gas. Key operational parameters include:

• Column temperature held at 90 °C for rapid elution.
• Carrier gas pressure of 100 kPa delivering a linear velocity of 15 cm/s.
• Split injection at 64 mL/min and injector temperature of 250 °C.
• Flame ionization detection at 250 °C with a sensitivity of 5×10⁻¹² Afs.
• Sample volume of 0.5 µL dissolved in n-hexane.

Used Instrumentation

• Gas chromatograph equipped with split/splitless injector and FID detector (Agilent Technologies).
• Agilent TCEP WCOT capillary column (0.22 mm×50 m, 0.4 µm; Part no. CP7525).

Main Results and Discussion

The method yielded baseline resolution of 2-butanol, n-tridecane and 4,4-dimethyl-2-pentanone within a ten-minute runtime. Retention times were consistent across replicate injections, indicating excellent method precision. Peak shapes were sharp and symmetrical, reflecting suitable column selectivity for the analytes.

Benefits and Practical Use

This protocol offers several advantages for industrial and research settings:

• High throughput: complete analyses in under 10 minutes.
• Simplicity: straightforward method setup with common laboratory equipment.
• Reproducibility: robust separation under isothermal conditions.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Further developments may include:

• Extension to broader classes of oxygenated solvents and hydrocarbons.
• Coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced identification in complex matrices.
• Exploration of alternative carrier gases or green stationary phases to reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion

An Agilent TCEP column provides rapid, reliable separation of key volatile organic compounds relevant to energy and fuels analysis. The demonstrated GC-FID method combines speed, precision and ease of use, making it suitable for routine quality control and research laboratories.

References

• No literature references were provided in the original application note.