Gas chromatography

Gas chromatography (GC) is a common method of analysis used to separate highly volatile liquid mixtures into their individual chemical compounds. This modern separating method works by injecting small quantities of the substance into the gas chromatograph. The sample is vaporised in the injector block, and is split into its individual compounds by a separation column. The peak signal generated by a detector is then analysed by a computer.

Modern gas chromatographs are capable of determining one or more components in substances at concentrations of only a few micrograms per ml (1 microgram = 1 millionth of a gram).