Can porapak Q seperate DME and HCHO?

[handouzuoluo]

Hello. We want to detect DME(CH3OCH3) and HCHO in a GC.
But, we don't know what column can seperate these two species.
Is porapak Q proper?

[chromatographer1]

If the formaldehyde is actually present as a monomer then the separation from dimethylether should be easy. However, formaldehyde is very reactive and forms paraformaldehyde or reacts with many other chemicals readily.

I would suggest that a Carbowax column might be a better solution.

Rodney George
Senior Research and Development Scientist
Gas Separations Research
Supelco
595 North Harrison Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823

814-359-5737 voice
814-359-5459 fax
rgeorge@sial.com

[dpr]

It is possible to increase the HCHO retension time on Q by reacting to the cyanohydrin and analysing for the derivative.

Add NaCN solution wait 1-2 mins and then H3PO4 solution.