Use this McReynolds polarity calculator to determine relative polarity constants (x, y, z, u, s) from retention index data and calculate the total constant for GC stationary phase characterization.
McReynolds Polarity Calculator Interface
Reference Formula
\[ x = RI_{x,\text{test}} – RI_{x,\text{reference}} \] \[ y = RI_{y,\text{test}} – RI_{y,\text{reference}} \] \[ z = RI_{z,\text{test}} – RI_{z,\text{reference}} \] \[ u = RI_{u,\text{test}} – RI_{u,\text{reference}} \] \[ s = RI_{s,\text{test}} – RI_{s,\text{reference}} \] \[ s = RI_{s,\text{test}} – RI_{s,\text{reference}} \] \[ \Sigma = x + y + z + u + s \]Before You Go
Before using this calculator, ensure that retention index values are obtained under identical chromatographic conditions for both the test and reference column. It assumes squalane as the non-polar reference phase unless otherwise specified. Differences in temperature or flow conditions will affect accuracy.
The article explaining how this calculator works is available at Retention Index Calculation Made Simple for GC Users in Gas Chromatography Columns series.
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