Abstract
When 0.53 mm i.d. uncoated precolumns connected to a solvent vapor exit are used for sample introduction with partially concurrent solvent evaporation, substantial losses of volatile solutes are often observed. They were found to be the consequence of solute accumulation at the front end of the flooded zone, which in turn is the result of a strong pressure drop over the flooded zone owing to the formation of plugs of sample liquid. The pressure drop causes significant solvent evaporation at the front, which enriches the solute material there and causes its loss. The use of 0.32 mm i.d. restrictions between the uncoated precolumn and the vapor exit greatly reduced this problem.