A comparative analysis of retention values obtained on fused silica capillary columns from various manufacturers

A comparative analysis of retention characteristics obtained on fused silic a capillary columns available from various manufacturers is performed. The retention indexes for organic compounds of different chemical classes (octa nol-1, 2,6-dimethylphenol. 2,6-dimethylaniline, naphthalene. methylpelargon ate) are measured on the columns. The maximum variation in retention indexe s is 1.63 i.u. on the columns coated with nonpolar stationary liquid phase (polydimethylsiloxane) and 16.26 i.u. on those coated with polar that (poly ethylene glycol). The average maximum variation in the retention indexes ob tained on the polyethylene glycol columns is more than that on the polydime thylsiloxane columns by a Factor of 5. The established variation in columns selectivity from various manufacturers must be taken into account both in routine chromatography. in studies of physicochemical characteristics and w hen compiling of data bases.