Springer Supercritical Fluid Extraction and its Use in Chromatographic Sample Preparation

by Professor D. E. Games, Mass Spectrometry Research Unit, University College of Swansea Sample preparation can be viewed as occupying a Cinderella role in analytical science. However, the quality of sample preparation plays a key role in high In the past decade, there has been quality analysis and deserves higher stature. considerable interest in the use of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) as an alternative to conventional procedures for the preparation of samples for ana lysis. The driving force for this development is the need for automated, sim pler, faster, non-destructive and selective methods for extraction, preferably using non-toxic extraction media which are easily disposed of. Utilization of supercritical fluids for extraction fulfils these requirements because of their unique physical chemical properties and usually low toxicity. Selectivity can be achieved by suitable selection of pressure (density), temperature and modi fier conditions which enable solvating power to be varied. The high diffusivity of supercritical fluids provides rapid sample penetration and extraction. Use of fluids with low critical temperatures enables extraction to be conducted under mild thermal conditions ensuring that thermally labile compounds do not decompose. The technique can be used off-line, and the extracts analysed by appropriate techniques, or it can be used on-line, by coupling with a variety of chromatographic techniques. These can then, if necessary, be coupled fur ther with spectroscopic techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared, ultra violet or mass spectrometry, to provide specific identification or structural information. Review Provides not only an informative text but a practical experimental guide to the theory and practice of SFE as an analytical sample preparation tool. - Analyst; Provides an excellent introduction to this new and exciting field of analytical SFE. - Analytica Chimica Acta; Gives a useful description of the current situation and, importantly, describes some of the pitfalls and problems that may be encountered ... useful as a summary for workers already in the field and a valuable introduction for any analyst considering using SFE. - Chromatographia; ...very useful for those willing to introduce this technique in their laboratory. All chapters are well developed with many applications showing that SFE is conquering the procedures. Therefore, each analyst who works or will work with SFE, should have this book in his/her library. - European Journal of Pharmacology and Biopharmacology