The Use of Silica Gel in Source Testing

Abstract

This is a study of the adsorption of a large group of solvent vapors upon silica gel and their subsequent quantitative desorption. Esters, ketones, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, and halogenated hydrocarbons were among those studied. Except for certain low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, the silica gel was extremely efficient for adsorbing organic solvents. In general, dimethylsulfoxide proved ideal for elution of adsorbed materials and for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography. It could not be used for hydrocarbon solvent mixtures or for higher boiling solvents. In these cases, carbon disulfide, alone or with water, was used for desorption.