Retention models for isocratic and gradient elution in reversed-phase liquid chromatography

One- and multi-variable retention models proposed for isocratic and/or gradient elution in reversed-phase liquid chromatography are critically reviewed. The thermodynamic, exo-thermodynamic or empirical arguments adopted for their derivation are presented and discussed. Their connection to the retention mechanism is also indicated and the assumptions and approximations involved in their derivation are stressed. Special attention is devoted to the fitting performance of the various models and its impact on the final predicted error between experimental and calculated retention times. The possibility of using exo-thermodynamic retention models for prediction under gradient elution is considered from a practical point of view. Finally, the use of statistical weights in the fitting procedure of a retention model and its effect on the calculated elution times as well as the transferability of retention data among isocratic and gradient elution modes are also examined and discussed.