DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) and GC.

[pochengjean]

is DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) a good solvent for GC columns?

The columns I use are

1. Porapack Glass Packed Column
2. DB-WAX , 15mx0.53mmID (1.00 film thickness).

The compound puts a pause to my project considering the high b.p of DMSO at 189 degree, and 18.5 degree m.p.

Have anyone worked with DMSO with GC ?? Should i test the DMSO on my columns without damage them ?

[chromatographer1]

Small trace impurities in a solvent can harm any column but DMSO is used on the columns you mentioned routinely. To measure impurities in DMSO a Carbowax capillary or packed column is generally used.

DMSO has also been used on porous polymers without harm. Just remember that a common impurity in DMSO has a similar retention time to methanol.

From my 26 years of experience, I say go ahead.

[pochengjean]

I am doing a routine analysis on nicotine plus others, there are approximately 30 injections per run and 1 or 2 runs per week.

I first extract my analytes out using DMSO, thinking that the extract (25% v/v, DMSO/isopropanol) can be directly introduced into a GC till the m.p and b.p of DMSO put a stop to my project. I am afraid that the extract will condensate at the inlet end of the column (the ovn temperature is 170 degree), while the boiling point of DMSO is 189 degree. Besides, i don't know if the db-wax column works fine with DMSO for this project.

If there is no cautions about using DMSO as solvent for this purpose, i will proceed on with my project as you suggested.

Thank you for your help.