Math Problem Statement

Two unknown compounds are separated using liquid chromatography. If the first substances elutes after 12.5 minutes and has a base width of 5.5 min and the second compound elutes after 6.2 minutes and has a base width of 5.0 minutes , what is the resolution in the separation of the peaks? Resolution = blank1 - Numeric Answer

Is this resolution above baseline? blank2 - Word Answer no (yes, no)

Solution

The resolution (RsR_s) between two chromatographic peaks can be calculated using the formula:

Rs=2(t2t1)wb1+wb2R_s = \frac{2(t_{2} - t_{1})}{w_{b1} + w_{b2}}

Where:

  • t1t_1 and t2t_2 are the retention times of the two compounds,
  • wb1w_{b1} and wb2w_{b2} are the base widths of the two peaks.

Step 1: Assign the values

  • t2=12.5mint_2 = 12.5 \, \text{min}, t1=6.2mint_1 = 6.2 \, \text{min},
  • wb1=5.0minw_{b1} = 5.0 \, \text{min}, wb2=5.5minw_{b2} = 5.5 \, \text{min}.

Step 2: Plug the values into the formula

Rs=2(12.56.2)5.0+5.5R_s = \frac{2(12.5 - 6.2)}{5.0 + 5.5}

Rs=2(6.3)10.5R_s = \frac{2(6.3)}{10.5}

Rs=12.610.51.2R_s = \frac{12.6}{10.5} \approx 1.2

Step 3: Determine if the resolution is above baseline

  • A resolution of Rs1.5R_s \geq 1.5 is generally required for complete baseline separation.
  • Here, Rs1.2R_s \approx 1.2, which is not sufficient for baseline separation.

Final Answers:

Blank 1 (Numeric Answer): 1.2
Blank 2 (Word Answer): no


Do you have further questions, or would you like clarification on how the resolution is calculated?


Related Questions:

  1. How does the resolution affect the accuracy of compound identification in chromatography?
  2. What are other factors (besides peak widths) that influence chromatographic resolution?
  3. How can chromatographic conditions be adjusted to improve resolution?
  4. What is the significance of baseline separation in quantifying compounds?
  5. Can increasing the column length improve resolution? Why or why not?

Tip:

To improve resolution, you can experiment with changing the mobile phase composition, temperature, or flow rate to optimize the separation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Chromatographic Resolution
Retention Time
Base Width
Ratios

Formulas

Rs = (2(t2 - t1)) / (wb1 + wb2)

Theorems

Concept of Chromatographic Resolution

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Chemistry or Analytical Science