Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is a technique that has been around for over 25 years. Some may argue that the technique has been over-hyped, and that it is a complicated research tool that doesn't fit into routine analytical laboratories. However, several routine validated GC×GC methods have demonstrated that the technique is accurate, precise, and robust. Research has shown the benefits of GC×GC in a wide variety of applications (e.g. environmental, metabolomics, petroleum, food safety, fragrance). The benefits include increased peak capacity (i.e. resolution), structured two-dimensional chromatograms (i.e. contour plots), and sensitivity enhancement. The merits of GC×GC as a separation science are clear, but how will it benefit a routine laboratory? Multiple analyte classes can be combined into a single analysis to save instrument and sample preparation time. Manual review time for non-target screening methods can be reduced with the increased peak resolution of a GC×GC analysis by creating a better library match leading to faster, more confident peak identification. Sample characterization is improved with a GC×GC analysis which increases confidence in decisions based on analytical results. The extra resolution afforded by the GC×GC analysis allows the use of more economical detectors, like the flame ionization detector (FID) or electron capture detector (ECD).

Download this free whitepaper: Benefits of Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC) for a Routine Laboratory, authored by Michelle Misselwitz, for more information on how GC×GC can benefit your laboratory.