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 RohrschneiderMcReynolds 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
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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 Universitys
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