Answer to Question #126380 in General Chemistry for ohaniso

Question

1. Why does the sample need to be filtered prior to GC-MS analysis?
2. What is the function of that stationary phase in GC-MS equipment?

Answer 1

1. Particulates in the sample can interfere with analysis by adsorbing some analytes of interest, causing low analyte recoveries in liquid, gas and ion chromatography(GC-MS analysis). Therefore, filtering samples is extremely important before performing your downstream analysis. Proper filtration of samples, solvents and buffers not only generates higher quality, more consistent results, but it also increases instrument uptime and prolongs column life.

2. The function of the stationary phase in the column is to separate different components, causing each one to exit the column at a different time (retention time). 

In gas chromatography, the mobile phase ,This causes each compound to elute at a different time, known as the retention time of the compound. The comparison of retention times is what gives GC its analytical usefulness.