Expression
The method takes advantage of the linear relationship between the values of and the number of carbon atoms in a molecule. The value of Kovats index is usually represented by I in mathematical expressions. Its applicability is restricted to organic compounds. For isothermal chromatography, the Kovats index is given by the equation
Where:
Kovats retention index,
the number of carbon atoms in the smaller n-alkane,
the number of carbon atoms in the larger n-alkane,
the adjusted retention time.
For temperature programmed chromatography, the Kovats index is given by the equation
Where:
Kovats retention index,
the number of carbon atoms in the smaller n-alkane,
the number of carbon atoms in the larger n-alkane,
the retention time.
Read more about this topic: Kovats Retention Index
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