Separation and Measurement of Alcohols in Solutions by Gas
Chromatography
INTRODUCTION:
The World of Analytical Chromatography involves the
Separation of the individual components in a Sample, THEN the measurement of
their optical / spectral properties. In the realm of Organic Chemicals, there
are VOLATILE (low boiling points, easily evaporated, like most Solvents)
Compounds and NONVOLATILE (high BP / MP, usually solid materials, like many
drug and plastic chemicals) Compounds. If materials can be VOLATILIZED, or
turned into a GAS, then they can be analyzed by Gas Chromatography.
PURPOSE:
Using the AIR-GC system optimized for the separation of
Alcohols, and a 3-part Standard of Methanol (C1, BP ~65°C), Ethanol (C2, BP
~79°C) and iso-Propanol (C3, branched, BP ~86°C);
common consumer materials can be "chromatogrammed"
to give us BOTH the Qualitative information on the components present in the
Sample, and the Quantitative concentration of the material.
INSTRUMENTS NEEDED:
EDU-0310-GC Air-GC system w/ CCD Detector and internal Air Pump
Computer w/ Peak-Simple Software
10 uL Syringe INFO/Buy
IT!
SUPPLIES:
Vial of Mixed Methanol / Ethanol
/ i-Propanol in Water (25% each, based on 5uL
injection)
SAMPLE VIALS OF:
· Mouthwash (Ethanol)
· De-Icer
(Methanol)
· Rubbing Alcohol (i-Propanol)
· EXTRA CREDIT Have students bring is other
"OTC" materials; like Witch Hazel, or even Alcoholic Beverages (with
parental permission); such as a liquor, whisky, rum, vodka, etc.; to check the
relative amounts of Ethyl Alcohol present and calculate the "proof"
of the beverage.
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