4. Data processing

The development of a chromatographic method requires the optimization of many parameters simultaneously:

• stationary and mobile phase types ;

• solvent and injection volume ;

• column dimensions ;

• isocratic or gradient separation ;

• gradient profile ;

• temperature of mobile phase ;

• detection parameters, etc.

The chromatographer's experience enables him or her to find, more or less quickly, the right experimental conditions for the problem to be solved. However, given the large number of parameters to be modified and their possible interactions, the use of optimization software is becoming increasingly important....