Revision of a theoretical expression for gas-liquid chromatographic retention

In this communication, we revise some aspects of the [ideal gas/Van der Waals fluid] partition, derived in an earlier publication. The general character of the conclusions concerning the dependence of the partial molar free energy of solution, Delta G(s)(n), on the chain length, n, of linear solute molecules is shown through the relationship with more general partition formulations. Simultaneously, the correction of an error in the expression of the retention time dependence on the phase ratio of the chromatographic column, beta, is carried out. The misleading source of this error was redundant accounting in the solute translational contribution to Delta G(s)(n). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.