This term is used to express the
extra-column volume. Strictly speaking, the term '
dead-volume' refers to volumes within the chromatographic system which are not swept by the mobile
phase. On the other hand, mobile phase is flowing through most of the extra-column
volumes. Due to this ambiguity the use of term '
dead-volume' is discouraged.
Source:
PAC, 1993, 65, 819
(Nomenclature for chromatography (IUPAC Recommendations 1993))
on page 833
See also:
Orange Book, p. 101