It should be possible to predict peak areas detected via UV/Vis-HPLC from a knowledge of molar absorption coefficients and the flow rate, among other factors. Such a prediction can be very useful in method development.
Now, LR Snyder, JL Glajch, JJ Kirkland, "Practical HPLC Method Development", Wiley, 1988, describe an equation to estimate the minimum detectable mass (to be injected), based on the absorption coefficient, plate hight, etc. Rearrangement of this equation can lead to a formular for the prediction of peak hight. Converting it so that peak area can be calculated proved a bit "hairy", mildly put. Also, I am not sure that everything I tried was legitimate. The same holds for an attempt to derive a formular for the area using various forms of the equation describing the normal (Gaussian) distribution, etc.
Is there anybody out there with a higher mathematical acuity who has done this successfully, or knows where to find a derivatization?

Incidentally, this has implications for the former discussion, "Problem with adsorption coefficients", started on Feb. 26. (For instance: One can derive the absorption coefficient from HPLC detectors in chromatographic mode. The calculation of specific rotation from HPLC peak hights has some similarities: http://www.pdr-chiral.com/specificrotation.htm. However, I tried to relate some possible discrepancies in that presentation without avail, so far.)

H W Mueller, I have looked at the web-site and
found it very interesting. Now, if I can just get
my head around the maths.......

Will.

(I started the "Problem with absorption
coefficients" discussion)

Ups, this was intendet for the normal LC Message Board. Somehow I put it (stupidly)in the wrong place. It will be best to repost it there.
Will, if you figure out the details of the math on that website, let me know! There seem to be some mistakes in it, though basically it appears to be ok.