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.