Rapid temperature programmed gas-liquid chromatography of volatile fatty acids (C1−C7) for the identification of anaerobic bacteria

A gas liquid chromatography method for the separation of 10 volatile fatty acids (C1−C7 and isomers) has been improved by using oven temperature programmed conditions. In our conditions, the proprietary stationary phase SP 1220 introduced by Supelco Inc., gave sharp separation of volatile fatty acids in less than 8 min. This method was suitable for analyses with both thermal conductivity and flame ionization detectors.