On-line detection for supercritical-fluid extraction.

An overview of the direct coupling of supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE) to distinct detection is presented. The versatile construction of this kind of hybrid analytical instrumentation is manifested through the discussion of several interface prototypes, whose characteristics satisfy the requirements of both the SF extractor and detector. The application of several experimental strategies during the whole analytical process are proposed for the successful quantification of the leaching yield. Typical examples of SFE with on-line detection in several fields of analysis are presented, considering of special interest the information provided by the molecular and atomic techniques used. Finally, the real analytical capabilities of the automation of sample handling by SFE-continuous detection are also discussed.