On-line solvent evaporator for coupled normal phase-reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography systems: Heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons analysis

An on-line system for coupling a normal phase liquid chromatography (LC) co lumn to a reversed-phase LC column is described. The interface consists of an on-line solvent evaporator working on the principles of concurrent eluen t evaporation and vapor overflow, and two additional 10 port valves. Optimi zation of the on-line procedure as well as recoveries, repeatability and li nearity characteristics were tested in a simplified system simulating deter mination of heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils. An appli cation on a real extra virgin olive oil sample is also reported. (C) 2001 J ohn Wiley & Sons, Inc.