Multiple detector responses for gas chromatography peak identification

Four detectors have been employed in this study to assist in gas chromatography peak identification along with the relative retention time. These four detectors are based upon different principles and their responses appear to be independent. The detectors are the classical flame ionization detector and three photoionization detectors using the photon emission from He, Ar, and Kr. Relative detector responses, including an internal standard, have been used to eliminate concentration terms and account for long-term drifts in the electronic equipment. A total of 127 compounds, containing numerous functional groups, varying structures, and degrees of unsaturation, were included in the study. The relative detector responses, in conjunction with the relative retention time, gave a set of four values that were unique to each of the 127 compounds. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.