Progress in the application of preparative gas chromatography in separating volatile compounds

Gas chromatography (GC) yields superior separations of low boiling point volatile compounds. Therefore, preparative gas chromatography (Prep GC) was established by combining analytical GC with a sample collection system at the end of the column, enabling the efficient isolation of the volatile components from complex matrices and their subsequent collection after GC. As Prep GC is based on an analytical gas chromatograph, its injection, separation, detection, and fraction collection systems are continuously optimized and upgraded to improve the recoveries and purities of the target compounds. Prep GC, in combination with modern spectroscopic techniques (such as UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), enables accurate structural elucidation of a target compound. Reports of the separations of various volatile components from complex matrices using Prep GC have recently increased annually, revealing promising application prospects. However, Prep GC also displays several disadvantages, such as the failure to separate thermolabile compounds, high separation costs, and the likely introduction of exogenous contamination. Based on the recent related research, this review summarizes the evolution of the structure of Prep GC and its application in isolating essential oil monomers, insect pheromones, volatile food and plant components, geological biomarkers, and persistent environmental pollutants. Finally, this review also summarizes and prospects the use of Prep GC in separating volatile components to provide a reference for the expansion of its applications.