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A group of chemists complain about the smell that they noticed when reading new copies of a particular journal - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 16 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 16
A group of chemists complain about the smell that they noticed when reading new copies of a particular journal. The publishers of the journal decide to try to identi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A group of chemists complain about the smell that they noticed when reading new copies of a particular journal - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 16 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which of the following analytical methods would be the most likely choice for the first stage of an analysis?
Answer
The most likely choice for the first stage of analysis in identifying volatile substances causing a smell is gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). GLC is particularly effective in separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition.
In this scenario, it would allow chemists to identify which substances are contributing to the smell from the journal. Other methods, such as flame tests, paper chromatography, and atomic absorption spectroscopy, may not be suitable for initial qualitative analysis of odorous, volatile compounds.