ABSTRACT
Chromatography has been an essential technique in the separation of chemical mixtures. One-dimensional chromatography is the dominant technique due to its ability to separate compounds with adequate resolution based on their differential partitioning between the mobile and the stationary phases. Several options are available for improving the resolution and separation of complex samples within one dimension. To overcome the limitations of a one-dimensional separation, multidimensional separations were theorized as a means to improve the maximum number of resolvable peaks. In order to obtain a comprehensive multidimensional analysis, the entire sample must be subjected to all dimensions of separation. Comprehensive two-dimensional techniques provide another dimension of separation to increase the selectivity required for the analysis of complex mixtures. Applications using different variations of heart-cut multidimensional chromatography have been employed for the analysis of xenobiotics. Biological and pharmacological matrices are extremely relevant in the determination of xenobiotics and their metabolism.
