Gas Chromatography (GC) is a reliable analytical technique employed to separate and assess the components of a gas sample. It is extensively utilized in various scientific fields for: **Separating Complex Mixtures:** GC efficiently segregates intricate gas mixtures, allowing for the identification and quantification of individual components. **Determining Compound Identity:** GC aids in confirming the identity of unknown compounds by comparing their retention times and elution patterns with those of known standards. **Quantifying Compound Concentrations:** This technique provides precise measurements of compound concentrations within a sample, enabling researchers to determine the relative abundance of different components. ### Instrumentation The primary equipment utilized in GC includes: - **Injector:** Introduces the sample into the gas stream. - **Column:** Separates the sample components based on their interactions with the stationary phase. - **Detector:** Monitors the separated components as they elute from the column. ### Types of Detectors Common detectors employed in GC include: - **Flame Ionization Detector (FID):** Sensitive to organic compounds that ionize in a flame. - **Mass Spectrometer Detector (MS):** Identifies specific compounds based on their mass-to-charge ratio. - **Electron Capture Detector (ECD):** Detects compounds containing electronegative atoms, such as halogens and nitrates.