Analytical chemists should be aware of the differences between selectivity and specificity. Few analytical methods, including
the chromatographic analytical methods, are truly specific. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
recommends that specificity is the ultimate of selectivity, therefore, analysts should promote this concept and aim to achieve
highly selective analytical methods.
Key words Selectivity - Specificity - Chromatography
Received: 30 September 1999 / Accepted: 17 January 2000