System for calculating the linear temperature‐programmed retention indices of polycyclic aromatic compounds

AbstractTheoretical procedures have been used to predict linear temperature‐programmed retention indices for polycyclic aromatic compounds. It is possible to calculate such indices for polycyclic aromatic compounds in some practical situations in which the compounds cannot be eluted during a simple linear temperature program. The theory has been tested for a number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) in single‐ and multi‐plateau temperature‐programmed gas chromatography with SE‐52 as the stationary phase. This method will extend the applicability of linear retention indices for the identification of the isomers of polycyclic aromatic compounds.