Column temperature:

 

• Column temperature must be controlled to within tenths of a degree.

The optimum column temperature is dependant upon the boiling point of the sample.

As a rule of thumb, a temperature slightly above the average boiling point of the sample results in an elution time of 2 - 30 minutes.

Minimal temperatures give good resolution, but increase elution times.

If a sample has a wide boiling range, then temperature programming can be useful.

The column temperature is increased (either continuously or in steps) as separation proceeds.