J. Calvin Giddings

chemist

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June 29, 2026

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J. Calvin Giddings was an American chemist who made significant contributions to the field of chromatography. In 1964, he summarized the conditions necessary for liquid chromatography to achieve the same resolving power as gas chromatography. This involved using very small particles with a thin film of stationary phase in small-diameter columns, which laid the groundwork for the development of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Giddings also explored the use of supercritical fluids as mobile phases in chromatography, which allows for the analysis of thermally unstable compounds and offers increased speed and resolution. His work advanced the capabilities of chromatographic techniques for separating complex mixtures.1

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chromatography
Subsequent developments
In 1964 the American chemist J. Calvin Giddings, referring to a theory largely worked out for gas chromatography, summarized the necessary conditions that would give liquid chromatography the resolving power achievable in gas chromatography—that is, very small particles with a thin film of stationary phase in small-diameter columns. The development…
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In 1964 the American chemist J. Calvin Giddings, referring to a theory largely worked out for gas chromatography, summarized the necessary conditions that would give liquid chromatography the resolving power achievable in gas chromatography—that is, very small particles with a thin film of stationary phase in small-diameter columns. The development…
Read More