Commentary Open Access

\ Gas Chromatography (GC): Principles, Applications, and Advances in Analytical Chemistry

Abstract

Gas chromatography (GC) is a highly versatile and widely used analytical technique for separating and analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds. By utilizing a gaseous mobile phase and a stationary phase within a chromatographic column, GC achieves high-resolution separation based on chemical and physical properties. Modern GC systems are equipped with advanced detectors such as flame ionization detectors (FID), thermal conductivity detectors (TCD), and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), enabling precise qualitative and quantitative analysis. GC plays a critical role in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, food and beverage testing, petrochemical analysis, and forensic science. This article reviews the principles, instrumentation, methodologies, applications, challenges, and emerging trends of GC, emphasizing its pivotal role in analytical chemistry and modern science.

Laura K. Mendes