Chemical Education Today
Book & Media Reviews Basic Gas Chromatography Harold M. McNair and James M. Miller. Wiley-Interscience: New York, 1997. xii + 197 pp. Appendices and index. ISBN 0-471-17260-X. $49.95.
This book is one of nine published titles in the John Wiley Techniques in Analytical Chemistry series. Each volume in the series is to guide readers step by step through the given analytical method by discussions of historical development, fundamental principles, definitions, sample preparation, instrumentation, measurement procedures, data analysis, numerous illustrations, and practical examples. Knowledge must be conveyed in an understandable, comprehensive manner to a broad readership of chemical technicians and professionals, Ph.D. scientists, undergraduate and graduate students, and chemical educators. Readers need not be experts in the chosen analytical method. Basic Gas Chromatography meets all stated objectives. The text is organized as 11 chapters, 9 appendices, and application and alphabetical indices. Chapter headings reflect the different aspects of gas chromatography. They are: 1. Introduction. A brief survey of the historical development of gas chromatography, combined with definitions of important terms and classificational scheme characterizing the different chromatographic methods. Symbols and nomenclature recommended by IUPAC are introduced early in the first chapter and used repeatedly throughout the book as the authors keep their promise of promoting a unified set of symbols and definitions. 2. Instrumental Overview. Basic parts of modern gas chromatographic systems are reviewed. Readers are introduced to flow control and measurement, sample inlets and sampling devices, columns, temperature zones and controls, detectors, and data systems. Major components are discussed in greater detail in later chapters. 3. Basic Concepts and Terms. Important chromatographic terms are defined, and mathematical relationships are given for calculating chromatographic quantities from column length, and measured retention time(s) and peak width(s). Band broadening is explained as the authors present the van Deempter and Golay rate equations for packed and open tubular columns, respectively. 4. Stationary Phases. Methods are presented for classifying liquid stationary phase solvents on the basis of polarity, Kovats indices, and Rohrschneider–McReynolds constants. 5. Packed Columns and Inlets. Packed columns and inlet systems are described. Several general purpose liquid and solid stationary phases are recommended. Sample chromatograms depict baseline resolution using the recommended stationary phases. Missing from the chapter was the instructional procedure used in coating stationary phase solvents onto solid supports. 6. Capillary Columns and Inlets. Capillary columns and inlet systems are described. Sample chromatograms compare the performance of packed versus capillary columns. Noticeably absent from the coverage in Chapters 5 and 6 was any mention of liquid crystalline solvents. 7. Detectors. Commercial detectors are classified according 1094
to (i) selective versus universal applicability, (ii) destructive versus nondestructive detection, and (iii) concentration versus mass flow quantification. Fourteen different detectors are listed. Flame ionization, thermal conductivity, and electron capture detectors are featured with schematic illustrations and fairly detailed descriptions. 8. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis. Methods for identifying chemicals present in unknown mixtures are discussed in terms of measured retention times, Kovats indices, dual channel detection, and off-line methods. Quantitative analysis data treatments are given using area normalization, response factors, external standards, internal standards, and standard addition. 9. Programmed Temperature. Advantages and disadvantages pertaining to programmed-temperature gas chromatographic separation are critically discussed. 10. Special Topics. Mass spectrometric detection, first introduced in Chapter 7, is described in greater detail. Special handling methods of solid-phase microextraction, headspace analysis, and derivatization chemical reactions are mentioned briefly. 11. Troubleshooting GC Systems. Symptoms of poorly resolved chromatographic separations are listed. Possible causes and remedies are offered to assist readers in correcting problems commonly encountered. The book concludes with several appendices: a list of symbols and acronyms, guidelines for capillary column selection, physical properties of OV stationary phase liquids, a directory of select chromatographic supply houses and instrument manufacturers, and a bibliography of recently published books and software pertaining to gas chromatography. The bibliography complements references found after each chapter. Personally, I found the book to be highly informative and well written. The authors, both of whom are internationally known chromatographers, have drawn upon their many years of practical experience to write a book that benefits not only the beginning chromatographer but also the practicing technician with many years of job experience working in an analytical laboratory. I highly recommend the book for anyone needing to know about or interested in gas chromatography. My copy of the book will be placed in our University’s library under reserved reference material for student use each time that I teach the graduate-level special topics course on chemical separations. William E. Acree, Jr. Department of Chemistry University of North Texas Denton, TX 76203-5070
Journal of Chemical Education • Vol. 75 No. 9 September 1998 • JChemEd.chem.wisc.edu
