Chromatographic response functions in 1D and 2D chromatography as tools for assessing chemical complexity

The design of systems for an unattended chromatographic optimization, especially the development of chromatographic response functions (CRFs), was a topic of great interest and development in the 1980s and early 1990s.This article is a critical review of the utilization of CRFs in chromatographic optimization. We discuss the most relevant CRFs, for application in 1D and 2D chromatography in accordance with the complexity of the populations and the systems from which the samples come and the type of analytical strategy.We outline the major challenges ahead for these methods in assessing chemical complexity.

► A new way of classifying chromatographic response functions (CRFs) is discussed.
► CRFs are classified according to the origin and the representativeness of the sample.
► CRFs are classified according to the aim of the analysis – target and non-target.
► Critical evaluation of the different functions in 1D and 2D chromatography.