Search

This work deals with the investigation of the possibilities and limitations using a commercially available software package Drylab for the fast optimisation of running conditions and the prediction of separation and retention times of a mixture consisting of fourteen neutral (nitramines, aminonitroaromatics and nitroaromatics) and six acidic (nitrophenols) explosive-related compounds.

In reversed phase liquid chromatography, the retention indices of some neutral and acidic explosives and related compounds (nitramines, nitroaromatics, aminoaromatics, and nitrophenols) based on the alkan-2-one, alkyl aryl ketone, and 1-nitroalkane retention index standards have been determined by the application of a new mathematical adaptation method, viz. a multiparametric least-squares regression iterative method. This method was applied to two types of columns. The first group includes six octadecyl-C18 columns with different packing materials and obtained from different manufacturers, while the second group comprises one octyl-C8 column. The retention indices have been extensively studied using either methanol-water or methanol-phosphate buffer mobile phase systems. The calculated multiparametric retention indices values were compared with those obtained by Guardino's, Grobler's, and Kovats' methods. The influences of the concentration of the organic modifier in the mobile phase, aqueous mobile phase pH, and the column packing material on the retention indices of the explosives were also investigated. Good agreement was observed between the retention indices calculated by the use of the four mathematical methods for both neutral and acidic explosives.

In reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), the validity of a multiparametric non-linear least-squares regression iterative method for the determination of the column dead time tM and the regression parameter (slope b), based on the use of alkan-2-ones, alkyl aryl ketones, and 1-nitroalkanes has been evaluated. The determination of tM and b has been extensively studied for two mobile phase systems acetonitrile-water and methanol-water on seven octadecyl-C18 and one octyl C8 analytical columns. The calculated tM and b values were compared with those obtained by Guardino's and Grobler's methods. The influence exerted thereon by the nature of the homologous series, the mobile phase composition, and the packing materials were investigated.

In gas liquid chromatography, the column dead time and the constants of the n-alkane retention time curve are calculated by the multiparametric least-squares regression iterative method at high temperature between 180 and 270°C. The method was applied to two types of columns. The first group includes eight packed columns (seven OV polymethylphenylsiloxane and Apolane-87), while the second includes five glass capillary columns (four methylsilicone with different film thicknesses and Apolane-87). The calculated tM and b values were compared with those obtained by Guardino's, Grobler's, and Kaiser's methods. The influences of coating thickness and temperature thereon were investigated.