by
Karen01 » Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:41 pm
As I have pointed out repeatedly on this forum, short chain free acids are best measured via ion chromatography, not by GC analysis, even though GC is near and dear to my heart. The scientist in me always wants to do the analysis that has the fewest issues and possibilities for error, especially if it is my job to pass results to those who have the responsibility to make decisions that may have bearing on the health, wealth, or safety of others.
I like to do good science... Always have... and I agree using something like the Aminex 87H would be best - but I think the samples may require cleanup before that so maybe Ion paring on a RP column or just a mobile phase at pH 2 would be OK for the acids.
But sometimes when you need fast turn around, best is trumped by good enough. This is not for product release. For what the data is being used for it may be good enough... and I do plan to do spiking experiments to know how good the method is.
- Karen