Chromatography Techniques and Steps

Chromatography Techniques

• Chromatography is a technique used to separate components of a mixture based on their relative distribution between a mobile phase (moving fluid stream) and a stationary phase (contiguous phase).
• Mobile phase can be liquid or gas.
• Stationary phase can be solid or liquid.

Steps in Paper Chromatography

• Select suitable type of development based on the complexity of the mixture, solvent, and paper.
• Select suitable filter paper based on the size of pores and sample quality.
• Prepare the sample by dissolving it in a suitable solvent (inert to the sample).
• Spot the sample on the paper using a capillary tube at a proper position.
• Develop the chromatogram by immersing the paper in the mobile phase.
• Dry the chromatogram using an air dryer to detect compounds.
• Spray the chromatogram with a solution to identify components.

Uses of Chromatography

• Quality control for testing contaminants in food, beverages, and other materials.
• Purify organic compounds in solid, liquid, or gas form.
• Sample preparation: separate components from a sample.
• Chemical analysis: analyze chemical composition of food and other materials.
• Forensic science: identify and compare samples of drugs, explosives, inks, and biological samples.

Chromatography Techniques

• Gas Chromatography: Arguably the most popular method, high-performance liquid chromatography is a close second. Favorable due to efficiency using a liquid (or solvent) mobile phase. This method uses a high-pressure pump to push the sample through the equipment
• Diagram of gas chromatography equipment provided. (Injection port, column, oven, detector, computer/data analysis, carrier gas, and gas flow pressure regulator)
• Paper Chromatography: A technique for separating dissolved chemical substances based on their different migration rates across sheets of paper.
• Diagram of paper chromatography experiment setup provided.
• Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC): Separates components in non-volatile mixtures using a TLC plate coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material. Diagram of an TLC experiment setup provided
• Column Chromatography: A preparative technique to purify compounds based on their polarity or hydrophobicity, separates molecules based on their different partitioning between a mobile and stationary phase.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Separates compounds dissolved in a liquid sample. Allows qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine which components are present and their quantity.
• Diagram of HPLC setup provided(Liquid Sample, Column(Stationary Phase), Solvent Delivery Pump, Mobile Phase,Detector)

Explore the principles and techniques of chromatography, including paper chromatography. Learn about the steps involved in the process, from selecting materials to identifying components. This quiz covers various aspects and applications of chromatography in quality control and analysis.