Gas chromatographic separation of substituted pyridines

Capillary gas chromatographic methodology for separation of complex mixtures of substituted pyridines has been demonstrated on polar (CAM) and non-polar (DB-5) columns. Separations are characterized by high resolution, high sensitivity, a wide dynamic detector range, and good reproducibility. For the first time, Kováts retention indices have been calculated for pyridine and substituted pyridines. Correlations of retention indices with physico-chemical properties, such as hydrogen bonding, pyridine pKa and Hammett substituent constants are discussed.