Gas chromatography is a technique used to separate and identify volatile organic compounds in a mixture using an inert gas as the mobile phase and a liquid film supported on an inert solid as the stationary phase. As the gas moves the analyte across the stationary phase, the analyte will be in equilibrium between the gas and liquid phases, allowing separation based on differences in solubility and boiling point. The chromatogram produced shows the order and retention time of elution of components from the column, as well as their relative amounts in the mixture.

1. Gas Chromatography Experiment

3. GC Instrument Schematic diagram for gas chromatograph

6. GC Chromatogram The chromatogram shows: 1. the order of elution (order of components coming off the column) related to boiling points and polarities of the substances in the mixture, 2. the retention time (time of elution), and 3. the relative amount of the components in the mixture.