Selective Sample Handling and Detection in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

This is the second of a two-volume project which treats the handling, separation and detection of complex samples as an integrated, interconnected process. On the basis of this philosophy the editors have selected those contributions which demonstrate that optimal sample preparation leads to a simplification of detection or reduced demands on the separation process. Throughout the book emphasis is on chemical principles with minimum discussion of the equipment required - an approach which reflects the editors' view that the limiting factor in the analysis of complex samples is an incomplete knowledge of the underlying chemistry rather than the hardware available. This lack of knowledge becomes more evident as the demands for lower detection limits grow, as solving complex matrix problems requires a greater understanding of the chemical interaction between the substance to be analysed and the stationary phase. Thus, apart from one chapter dealing with chemically modified silicas, the main theme of the book is developed in three chapters on sample preparation and three on detection.