How HPLC Different From GC?

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography (GC) are both methods within chromatography employed to separate and analyze compound mixtures. Nevertheless, they contrast in their underlying principles, applications, and the specific types of compounds amenable to analysis.

How HPLC different from GC?

Here are some key differences that how HPLC different from GC:

1. Nature of Analytes:

HPLC is suitable for analyzing a wide range of compounds, including polar and non-polar molecules, biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and more. It is particularly useful for analyzing compounds that are heat-sensitive or non-volatile.

GC is primarily used for analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds. It is best suited for compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition.

2. Mobile Phase:

In HPLC, the mobile phase is a liquid that flows through the column, carrying the sample components.

In GC, the mobile phase is a gas that carries the vaporized sample components through the column.

3. Stationary Phase:

HPLC columns typically have a solid or liquid stationary phase.

GC columns have a solid stationary phase coated with a liquid film.

4. Temperature:

HPLC is typically performed at room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures.

GC requires higher temperatures to vaporize the sample components. This can limit the types of compounds that can be analyzed.

5. Separation Mechanism:

In HPLC, separation is based on the differential interactions between the sample components and the stationary phase, primarily involving adsorption, partitioning, and other interactions.

In GC, separation is based on differences in the vapor pressures and affinities of compounds for the stationary phase.

6. Detector Compatibility:

HPLC detectors include UV/Vis spectrophotometers, fluorescence detectors, mass spectrometers, and more, making it versatile for various analytes.

GC detectors include flame ionization detectors (FID), electron capture detectors (ECD), mass spectrometers, and others suitable for detecting volatile compounds.

7. Applications:

HPLC is widely used in pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, food and beverage testing, biomolecule analysis, and more.

GC is often used for analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons, pesticides, and drugs of abuse, among others.

8. Sample Preparation:

HPLC can handle a wider range of sample types with less stringent sample preparation requirements.

GC often requires extensive sample preparation to ensure complete vaporization of compounds without degradation.

Both techniques have their advantages and are chosen based on the specific requirements of the analysis. HPLC is versatile for a wide range of compounds, while GC analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds.