Introduction to Gas Chromatography

Abstract

“Introduction to Gas Chromatography” is a POGIL learning-cycle activity designed for introductory analytical chemistry courses such as quantitative analysis or instrumental analysis.  This activity capitalizes on students’ interest in drugs of abuse and forensic analysis to get students to think about the characteristics required for analytes to be amenable with gas chromatography.  The exercise then leads students to apply their knowledge of organic reaction chemistry to analyze substances that might initially appear incompatible with gas chromatography.  After completing the activity, students will be able to identify when and how gas chromatography can be used for analysis. 

Level: lower to mid-level college
Setting: classroom
Activity Type: learning cycle
Discipline: chemistry
Course: Analytical Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Analysis
Keywords: gas chromatography, forensics