Benzene and Stabilwax-DA columns

[amy-e]

I need to separate benzene from a few other small cyclical hydrocarbons. I talked to Restek, and they said that I would be able to use the column that I am currently using (Stabilwax-DA) for this. I am using acetone as my main solvent. I start with a column temp. between acetone's and benzene's boiling pointing for 3 min. then go up to 100deg Celsius ending with 230deg Celsius. I always obtain my solvent peak, however, a benzene peak never appears (even with a 50/50 benzene/acetone mix). Is the matrix holding on the benzene? Has anyone used a Stabilwax column with Benzene? And if so, what program settings did you use?

[chromatographer1]

You are operating at too high a temperature.

Drop your temperature to 35°C and hold for 5 minutes. You will see your benzene peak elute after the acetone by 60 seconds or so.

Presently your benzene peak is under/with the acetone peak.

best wishes,

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
rodney.george@sial.com

[amy-e]

For a 60 second interval between acetone and benzene, I had to set the starting temperature to 30 deg. Celsius. Now I can consistently see a nice distinct peak for benzene. Thanks for your help.