Chromatography Laboratory Techniques

Chromatography

Chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a mixture.

Types of Chromatography

Column Chromatography

• Uses a column filled with a stationary phase (e.g., silica gel) to separate components of a mixture
• Mobile phase (e.g., solvent) is pumped through the column, carrying the components with it
• Components are separated based on their interactions with the stationary phase and mobile phase
• Can be used for purification, separation, and identification of compounds

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

• Uses a thin layer of stationary phase (e.g., silica gel) on a glass plate
• Sample is spotted onto the plate and a solvent is used to develop the chromatogram
• Components are separated based on their interactions with the stationary phase and solvent
• Can be used for quick identification and separation of compounds

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

• Uses a high-pressure pump to force the mobile phase through a column
• Column is packed with a stationary phase (e.g., silica gel) that has a high surface area
• Components are separated based on their interactions with the stationary phase and mobile phase
• Can be used for analysis, separation, and purification of compounds

Liquid Chromatography (LC)

• Uses a liquid mobile phase to separate components of a mixture
• Can be used with a variety of stationary phases, including columns, paper, and thin layers
• Components are separated based on their interactions with the stationary phase and mobile phase
• Can be used for analysis, separation, and purification of compounds

Gas Chromatography (GC)

• Uses a gas mobile phase to separate components of a mixture
• Sample is vaporized and carried through a column by the gas mobile phase
• Components are separated based on their boiling points and interactions with the column
• Can be used for analysis, separation, and identification of volatile compounds

Key Concepts

• Stationary phase: the material that the components of the mixture interact with
• Mobile phase: the substance that carries the components of the mixture through the chromatography system
• Retention time: the time it takes for a component to pass through the chromatography system
• Chromatogram: the visual representation of the separated components of a mixture

Chromatography

• Laboratory technique used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a mixture

Types of Chromatography

Column Chromatography

• Uses a column filled with a stationary phase (e.g., silica gel) to separate components
• Mobile phase (e.g., solvent) is pumped through the column, carrying components
• Separation based on interactions with stationary and mobile phases
• Used for purification, separation, and identification of compounds

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

• Uses a thin layer of stationary phase (e.g., silica gel) on a glass plate
• Sample is spotted onto the plate and a solvent is used to develop the chromatogram
• Separation based on interactions with stationary phase and solvent
• Used for quick identification and separation of compounds

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

• Uses a high-pressure pump to force the mobile phase through a column
• Column is packed with a stationary phase (e.g., silica gel) with high surface area
• Separation based on interactions with stationary phase and mobile phase
• Used for analysis, separation, and purification of compounds

Liquid Chromatography (LC)

• Uses a liquid mobile phase to separate components of a mixture
• Can be used with various stationary phases, including columns, paper, and thin layers
• Separation based on interactions with stationary phase and mobile phase
• Used for analysis, separation, and purification of compounds

Gas Chromatography (GC)

• Uses a gas mobile phase to separate components of a mixture
• Sample is vaporized and carried through a column by the gas mobile phase
• Separation based on boiling points and interactions with the column
• Used for analysis, separation, and identification of volatile compounds

Key Concepts

• Stationary phase: material that components interact with
• Mobile phase: substance that carries components through the chromatography system
• Retention time: time it takes for a component to pass through the system
• Chromatogram: visual representation of separated components of a mixture