Question

In a chromatographic analysis of lemon oil a peak for limonene has a retention time of 8.36 min with a baseline width of 0.96 min. y-Terpinene elutes at 9.54 min with a baseline width of 0.64 min. What is the resolution between the two peaks?

• A. 1.48
• B. 0.24
• C. 3.16
• D. 1.56

Hint:

In chromatography, a resolution of \(R_s = 1.5\) is generally considered to represent baseline separation (complete separation) between two peaks. The calculated value of 1.48 indicates a very good, near-complete separation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Resolution:
Chromatographic resolution (\(R_s\)) quantifies the separation between two adjacent peaks, with higher values indicating better separation. It is calculated using retention times and peak widths.
Step 2: Resolution Formula:
The resolution formula is:
\[ R_s = \frac{2(t_{R2} - t_{R1})}{W_1 + W_2} \]Where:
\(t_{R1}\) and \(t_{R2}\) are the retention times.
\(W_1\) and \(W_2\) are the peak baseline widths.
Step 3: Calculation:
Given:
Limonene (Peak 1):
\(t_{R1} = 8.36\) min
\(W_1 = 0.96\) min
\(\gamma\)-Terpinene (Peak 2):
\(t_{R2} = 9.54\) min
\(W_2 = 0.64\) min
Substituting into the resolution formula:
\[ R_s = \frac{2(9.54 - 8.36)}{0.96 + 0.64} \]\[ R_s = \frac{2(1.18)}{1.60} \]\[ R_s = \frac{2.36}{1.60} \]\[ R_s = 1.475 \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The calculated resolution is 1.475, which is closest to option (1) 1.48.