Surface excess isotherms of methanol were measured on a diol silica adsorbent in SFC.
The tracer peak method was used with deuterium labeled methanol and mass spectrometry.
A 4 Å monolayer of methanol was established at a certain modifier fraction.
Solute retentions are strongly depending on methanol variations prior monolayer formed.
Crucial use real values of flow and modifier content for mechanistic investigations.