The derivation of thermodynamic information from asymmetrical chromatographic peaks when more than one distribution mechanism contributes to retention

Abstract

Asymmetry of elution peaks in gas—liquid chromatography is often caused by retention contributions from adsorption of solute at the liquid surface and/or on the solid support, the distribution isotherms for these mechanisms having greater curvature than the bulk partition isotherm. Analogous phenomena are observed in other forms of chromatography. A method is developed which allows determination of the slope of the distribution isotherm for any one retention mechanism in the presence of others, from measurements on asymmetrical peaks. The experimental production of the chromatogram and the method of treating the data are described.