Seperation of PEG for GC analysis

[mimeo]

Hi there,

Can anyone tell me how to derivitize and seperate PEG 400 for GC analysis? Does the GC oven temperature have to be a high temp one?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!


Rebecca

[sassman]

I don't think you need to derivatize. What type of column are you going to use? You might need a polar column to get separation. Just start with a generic temperature ramp (ie 80-300C in 45 minutes) and adjust until you get a suitable separation.

[mimeo]

Hi Sassman,

Thanks for that! I'm using a zb-5msi column which should be suitable. I've got a problem though, I'm using a dual column agilent GC and I have a DB-23 column installed already for the analysis of FAMEs which has an upper limit temp of 250oC. Will I be able to get separation for the PEG 400 if I ramp the column temp up to 250?

Thanks again and take care.

Mimeo

[sassman]

Why don't you give it a try and see how it goes. Worst that could happen is the PEG sorbs permanently to your column and slightly changes the columns selectivity. No big deal, unless you are running some really important, tricky assay on that column.