Methods of Separations in Chromatography

What is the term chromatography classified as?

The separation in Chromatography is based on the adsorption or differential partitioning of solutes between the two phases.

What are the two ways chromatographic methods can be classified?

Which of these is considered a solid stationary phase in chromatography?

What is the mechanism of separation in the following chromatographic techniques: Gas-Solid Column, Thin layer?

What is the mechanism of separation in the following chromatographic techniques: Gas-liquid, HPLC, TLC, PC ?

Adsorption chromatography is preferred over partition chromatography as its results are reliable.

The separation between two immiscible phases is based on differential solubility of the same solute in the two liquids.

What is the theoretical basis for separation between two immiscible liquids?

What is the technique based on the differential solubility of the same solute in the two liquids known as?

Methods of Separations

Chromatography is a broad term encompassing various techniques, ranging from planar to high-pressure liquid chromatography
Chromatography uses two phases: stationary and mobile
The stationary phase remains fixed, while the mobile phase moves over it
Solutes are separated based on their differential distribution between the two phases (e.g., differential adsorption or partitioning)
Separation methods can be categorized by the physical states of the involved phases or by the separation mechanism

Classification by Phase States

Table 4 details the classification based on the physical state of the two phases (mobile & stationary)
Examples are provided, such as gas-solid chromatography (GSC) and variations of liquid chromatography, including gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), paper chromatography (PC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ion-exchange chromatography.
Different separation mechanisms are tied to each respective state

Classification by Separation Mechanism

Table 5 outlines classification based on the separation mechanism, including adsorption and partition chromatography
Adsorption chromatography, though less reliable, is based on adsorption which separates the solutes.
Partition chromatography relies on the differential solubility of the solute in two immiscible liquids, a process more effective and reliable than adsorption techniques
Differential solubility is governed by the Nernst's distribution law, where the ratio of solute concentration in both immiscible phases remains constant under a constant temperature and with equal molecular condition.

Explore the various techniques and mechanisms of chromatography, a key method in chemical analysis. This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of stationary and mobile phases, as well as the classification of separation methods by their physical states. Test your knowledge on essential chromatography techniques such as HPLC, GC, and TLC.