Separation and identification of phenolic acids and related compounds by gas chromatography and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Phenolic acids and related compounds were separated by gas chromatography using three separate columns. One of these columns was coupled to a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The trimethylsilyl derivatives could be separated and identified by comparing the relative retention times of the three different columns. However, where there was overlap, the accompanying infrared data clearly distinguished between the questionable derivatives, thus enabling characterization of all derivatives.The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this article is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Forest Service of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.