Question

In an HPLC analysis, 5.0 mg/L carotene standard sample gave a peak with a height of 0.37, an area of 7859, and a retention time of 27.8 min. On the same chromatogram, the internal standard peak appeared at 24.3 min with a heigh of 0.21 and an area of 5268.

An unknown sample was analyzed with the HPLC using the same method and gave three peaks in the chromatogram. Peak 1 has a height of 0.22, an area of 5713, and a retention time of 24.2 min; Peak 2 has a height of 0.38, an area of 7990, and a retention time of 25.6 min; Peak 3 has a height of 0.45, an area of 9856, and a retention time of 27.7 min.

Calculate the carotene concentration in the unknown sample.