Branched-chain C 3C 5 alcohols and their propanoyl, 2-chloropropanoyl, 3-chloropropanoyl, butanoyl, 2-chlorobutanoyl, 3-chlorobutanoyl and 4-chlorobutanoyl derivatives have been analysed by gas chromatography on SE-30 and OV-351 quartz capillary columns with programmed temperature rise. The alcohols and alkyl esters are eluted in the same order on SE-30, whereas some reverse elution orders on OV-351 are observed. The separation of two mixtures, one containing alcohols and their C 3-derivatives and the other containing alcohols and their C 4-derivatives, was better on SE-30, complete resolution of the mixtures not being achieved. The retention order of the compounds is discussed and the results are compared with those of straight-chain alcohols and their derivatives, analysed previously on the same columns under the same operating conditions.