Question

Which detector would be the most suitable for analyzing a sample containing decane, butylbenzene, and naphthalene: (diode array, fluorescence, variable wavelength uv, refractive index)? Why?

Answer 1

The fluorescence detector is the most suitable for analyze a mix or aromatic and alkanes because the aromatic compounds have a strong fluorescence signal while that alkanes not. So you can differentiate each type of compound. The Fluorescence detector is also very sensitive and has a high signal/noise ratio. The diode array and variable wavelength uv are based in the absorption of uv light which is similar in the uv part of the spectrum. Refractive index is few sensitive to the structure.