Chromatography Thread

[The-Starr]

Hey guys, need help with a chromatography quesrion from heinemann.

The organic compounds dimethyl ether and ethanol have the same molecular formula (C₂H₆O) and the same Molar Mass; however, they have different structural formulae. If the sample has the same concentration of both chemicals, will the peaks produced have the same area? Explain.

Thanks in advance

[Over9000]

yes they will have the same area because the area under the peak means the abundance (concentration) of the compound, hence if they have the same concentration means they have the same area.

[The-Starr]

the answers say no, and that it has something to do with the flame ionisation detector

[TrueTears]

what question is this btw ? In the book

[The-Starr]

Umm in the chromatography chapter review , question 18

[TrueTears]

The peak area depends on the sensitivity to the flame ionisation detector. This depends on the structure of the molecule and the ions that are formed in the flame ionisation detector cell. Consequently, if the concentration of more than one constituent of a sample is to be determined, separate calibration curves must be used for each compound.