Liquid chromatography with infrared spectrometric detection: the development of an interface

Abstract

This report describes the results of a study on the development of an interface for the coupling of narrow-bone reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The interface is designed to evaporate the mobile phase by means of a spray jet assembly under simultaneous deposition of the eluting compounds onto a linearly moving IR transparant substrate. Subsequently the immobilized chromatogram is scanned by FTIR microscopy. Polycyclic hydrocarbons and quinones have been used as model compounds. The chromatographic seperation of these compounds is found to be hardly affected by the immobilization process. Transmission measurement using zinc selenide as a substrate appeared to be preferable over measurement in the reflection mode on an aluminum surface. Identificaiton limits are in the 10-20 ng range (injected). The interface is able to handle eluents containing up to 40% water.