A gas chromatogram of the organic components of a sample of beer using a column that separates compounds on the basis of their relative boiling points provides a GC trace with several peaks. Two of the smaller peaks with retention times 9.56 and 16.23 minutes, are believed to be ethyl acetate and ethyl butyrate respectively. a. From the above information, which component of the sample, ethyl acetate or ethyl butyrate, elutes faster? What are the reported boiling points of these two substances?
b. What GC experiment(s) could you perform to confirm the identity of the peaks at 9.56 and 16.23 minutes?
c. Suggest two ways in which you could adjust the conditions of the experiment so as to reduce the retention time for all components in the sample.