What is Gas Chromatography (GC)?

Gas Chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and analyze volatile substances in a sample. The sample is vaporized and carried through a chromatographic column with a carrier gas. The components of the sample separate based on their boiling point and interaction with the column's stationary phase, and are detected as they elute from the column. GC is commonly used for analyzing the purity of substances, identifying unknown compounds, and quantifying the components of a mixture. It finds applications in environmental monitoring, food analysis, pharmaceuticals, and forensic science.