Gas chromatography is one of the strongest analytical tools. It has widespread applications and has proved to be a great asset for us.

But there are a few things which we must know before using gas chromatography. Here is a list of five important things you must know about GC.

1.    Gas chromatography can’t be used for analysis of non-volatile compounds and high molecular weight molecules.

2.    For precise work, column temperature must be controlled to within tenths of a degree.

3.    In the graph, the area under the peak is important instead of the height of the peak.

4.    Helium is not recommended as makeup gas at flow rates > 5mL/min. Flow rates above 5mL/min shorten detector life.

5.    An increase of around 300C in oven temperature will reduce retention time by 50%.