ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION In gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) the main participants in the chromatographic processes are: the compounds to be separated (sorbate); the stationary liquid phase (SLP), and the carrier gas. Most of the studies in GLC were devoted to the role of the SLP, the interaction between the SLP and the sórbate, and the determination of relative retention values, which are interpreted to be the chromatographic constants of the sorbates. In general, the role of the carrier gas was considered from a narrow point of view. Many researchers believe that the carrier gas serves to transport the solutes along the column and to broaden the chromatographic zones. Also, many chromatographers believe that relative retention values are chromatographic constants of the sórbate, which do not depend on the nature and pressure of the carrier gas. Let us quote some conventional opinions on the role of the carrier gas.
