A RETENTION INDEX SCHEME FOR USE WITH SULFUR SPECIFIC DETECTORS

Authors: Goodner, Kevin; Margaria, Carlos; Baldwin, Elizabeth - Liz

Submitted to: Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2002
Publication Date: 12/31/2002
Citation: GOODNER, K.L., MARGARIA, C.A., BALDWIN, E.A. A RETENTION INDEX SCHEME FOR USE WITH SULFUR SPECIFIC DETECTORS. PROCEEDINGS OF FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 2002. v. 115. 9. 197-300.

Interpretive Summary: A gas chromatograph separates chemical mixtures using a column. The time it takes for a chemical compound to exit a column is its "retention time" which varies under differing conditions. Due to this, the retention time is converted into a relative retention time that is independent of experimental conditions which is called a "Kovats Index". This allows researchers to compare data from different chromatographic systems. This system works for certain types of compounds that are detected by certain types of detectors (flame ionization and thermal conductivity). Sulfur compounds (very important for flavor) are detected by a different detector system that is not compatible with the "Kovats index". An algorithm was developed to relate a sulfur index with the "Kovats" index.

Technical Abstract: Retention indices are very important for compound identification when using gas chromatography. Retention indices are important because they remain static under different conditions and instruments while retention times vary dramatically. Generally, a retention index is generated using a series of straight chain alkanes and is referred to a Kovats' Index after the originator E. Kovats. However, alkanes will not produce a response when using a sulfur specific detector. For this reason, a sulfur specific retention index has been developed and will be presented along with the comparison to a standard Kovats' retention index.