a sample of hexane and octane is injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a non-polar column. predict which will have the shorter retention time

To predict which compound, hexane or octane, will have the shorter retention time in a gas chromatograph equipped with a non-polar column, we need to consider their molecular properties.

Retention time in gas chromatography is influenced by several factors, including the boiling point, molecular size, and polarity of the compounds being analyzed. In general, less polar compounds with lower molecular weights tend to have shorter retention times.

Comparing hexane and octane, both are hydrocarbons and have similar molecular structures. However, octane has a larger molecular size and more carbon atoms than hexane. This increase in molecular size generally slows down the movement of a compound through the non-polar column, leading to a longer retention time.

Therefore, based on their molecular properties, hexane is likely to have a shorter retention time compared to octane in a gas chromatograph equipped with a non-polar column.