An optimized chromatographic separation begins with the
column. The selection of the proper capillary column for the best
separation of furan was preformed among 5 tested. Five GC capillary
columns including DB-5, DB-23, DB-WAX, HP-5, and HP-PLOT/
Q were evaluated with the latter (HP-PLOT/Q) being chosen due to
its furan retention and the elution peak responses. HP-PLOT/Q
columns provided high selectivity for furan determination with
no interferences from other matrix compounds being detected. This
column was considered the most appropriate capillary column for
the quantification and separation of furan.