I am trying to measure the concentraiton of mtbe, methyl tert-butyl ether, in water using a GC with FID. What I am looking for is the most reliable column, preferably not capillary, which can be used. I am currently using a Restek, Haysep-R column but with little luck. If anyone knows a better column, or even optimum settings to use with my current column, it would be greatly appreciated.

I have had success with a number of different types of capillary columns for this analysis. It can be difficult to completely resolve MTBE from a complex hydrocarbon background such as gasoline. It may be difficult to find a packed column for this application. Call the support number for the column companies and ask for their recommendation.

Try Supelco Tech Service: 800-359-3041. Ask for Jim Byron.

I would probably try Hayesep P or Q. Something nice and low on the polarity scale of porous polymers will be best. Water comes out near Propane, while MTBE will be much later, more like a C5 for C6 hydrocarbon.

Good Luck.

I've used both Restek RTX-5 and RTX-502 successfully. BUt again, other hydrocarbons elute at the same time as MTBE, which may in turn give you false positives or scuewed results.

You could contact a company like Arnel Inc, they specialize in engineered chromatography. I have seen their application for ASTM 4815 and ASTM 5580, I believe this would be perfect for you. Check out their web site at www.arnelinc.com

Varian Chrompack have a excellent PLOT column for oxygenates called Lowox (It is however rather expensive). I'm not sure how it copes with water, but MTBE elutes after nC14.