DISCUSSION

The aims of the experiment are to identify the component of an unknown alcohol mixture
and to determine the composition of an unknown alcohol mixture by using the gas
chromatography. Gas chromatography is used to separate and analyze the components of a
sample that can be vaporized without decomposition. The mobile phase which also known as the
‘carrier gas’ functions to carry the sample through the heated column. Next, for the stationary
phase, also called as the column, respectively interacts with the components in the sample and
accomplishes the separation based on the interaction in which relates to the retention time.
[ CITATION Ano182 \l 1033 ]

In this experiment, the settings for the Gas Chromatography were constant at column
temperature of 50°C-100°C (RMAP 30°C/per min), injected temperature of 200°C and detector
temperature 200°C. The chemicals used in this experiment are methanol, ethanol and unknown
mixture of alcohol (methanol and ethanol). The experiment begins with the setting of instrument
parameters. Then, by using 1 microlitre syringe, rinsed the syringe with methanol for 6 times.
Next, take 0.2 microlitre of methanol using the syringe. After the instrument is ready, insect and
inject the sample into the injection port. Wait for 5 minutes to obtain the retention time and
peaks.

The retention time and peaks were taken for each sample. The measurements were
recorded down from the graph processed on the computer which is attached by the detector. The
retention time for methanol and ethanol obtained were 1.945 minutes and 2.052 minutes
respectively. For the unknown mixture of alcohols, two peaks were observed and recorded. For
the first peak, the retention time is 1.942 minutes and the peak area is 362241.29 μV . s. Next, for
the second peak, the retention time is 2.052 minutes and the peak area is 606559.24 μV . s.

After all the measurements has been recorded in the result table, the percentage X was
calculated. Percentage X is the percentage composition of each alcohol in the mixture. The
percentage X was calculated by using the formula shown below:
 Peak areaof X
PERCENTAGE X = x 100
Total peak areaof all peaks
By using the formula above, the percentage composition for peak 1 and 2 were calculated. The
percentage composition for peak 37.39% and the percentage composition for peak 2 is 51.53 %.
For the first peak, the alcohol is methanol because the retention time for methanol standard and
the unknown is almost the same. So for the second peak, the alcohol is ethanol.

During this experiment, there are some errors that might occur. The result obtained might
be different for he predicted results because of the intake of the alcohol from the sample solution
using the microliter syringe. Next, trapped air bubbles inside the microliter can cause
abnormality in the readings obtained. Other than that, the microliter syringe might not be
thoroughly rinsed for the next sample be used for the next sample thus a pure sample could not
be obtain for the Gas Chromatography system to process. This will cause the result to be less
accurate.

There are many safety precautions while handling the chemical substances. One of the
safety precaution are all hazardous and toxic chemicals must be identified. After taking the
chemicals, make sure to put back the chemicals to their proper storage. For the experimenters
safety, the gloves must be wear to protect our hands from infection or contamination. After doing
the experiment, all waste products and disposals must be discharged with proper neutralization to
avoid any pollution. Finally, after using the apparatus, clean all the apparatus carefully to prevent
any contamination. Before leaving the lab, make sure that all apparatus is clean and turn off all
power and heat to the apparatus that have been used.