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Peak Splitting in GC

Created by Agilent Knowledge Portal Agilent Knowledge Portal 8 months ago | Last modified by Carlos Vargas Carlos Vargas 7 months ago

This Information Applies To: Agilent GC Systems


Issue

Peak splitting is when a single compound is shown in the chromatogram as two peaks usually unresolved, or one of the peaks is a shoulder. 

Other chromatographic problems are identified in Basic Troubleshooting for GC Systems . Regular maintenance of your instrument in accordance with the recommended maintenance schedule will reduce the incidence of chromatography problems.


Background

Peak splitting and broadening are a result of the analyte being deposited incorrectly onto the column (Figure 1):

 Tip 
Tip: Peak splitting is a single compound effect, not near coeluting compounds.

           
Figure 1. Peak splitting

Possible cause of peak splitting and broadening  Solution
Injection technique (manual injection) Check that the syringe plunger is moving freely. The solution should be pulled into the syringe body, and moving freely and fast when plunger is depressed.
Use an autosampler
Improper column installation Remove and reinstall the column. See Capillary column installation quick reference guide 
Injector temperature too low Increase the injector temperature to ensure fast transfer of analyte to the column
Injector temperature is too high, causing analyte degradation Reduce the injector temperature or change to an on-column injection technique
Mixed sample solvent with large differences in polarity or boiling points The analyte has different solubility in different solvents. Change to a single solvent
Poor sample focusing Use a retention gap

 If these procedures have not resolved the peak splitting, contact Agilent Technical Support.

 Tip 
Learn how to effectively troubleshoot your Agilent GC System:
GC-0GEN-1040z - Practical Steps in GC Troubleshooting
GC-0GEN-2040zs - GC Troubleshooting Series e-learning courses available from Agilent education
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