The separation and determination of low-molecular-weight (C2—C10) straight-chain carboxylic acids in dilute aqueous solution by the gas chromatography of their p-bromophenacyl and P-phenylphenacyl esters

Abstract The quantitative and qualitative analysis of acetic, propionic, n -butyric, n -valeric, n -hexoic, n -heptoic, n -octoic, n -nonoic and n -decanoic acids present in dilute aqueous media as free acids or salts, in the presence of mineral acids or bases, is described. The p -bormophenacyl or p -phenylphenacyl esters of the acids were formed and injected into 2.5% sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate or 1% Apiezon L or a 1:1 mixture of the two (depending on which acids were present) coated on acid-washed washed 60/80 mesh Chromosorb G packed in a 6-ft. glass column.