6.10.1

Overview of Chromatography (A2 Only)

Test yourself

Basics of Chromatography

Chromatography is a common separation and product identification technique used by chemists.

Illustrative background for Basics of chromatographyIllustrative background for Basics of chromatography ?? "content

Basics of chromatography

  • Chromatography works to separate substances based on their interactions with a mobile and stationary phase.
    • The mobile phase is typically a solvent.
    • The stationary phase is typically a solid support.
Illustrative background for Process of chromatographyIllustrative background for Process of chromatography ?? "content

Process of chromatography

  • A substance is allowed to interact with both the mobile and stationary phase in either a column or a plate.
  • The more a substance interacts with the stationary phase, the longer it will take to reach the bottom of the column or plate - we say it will take longer to elute.
Illustrative background for Separation or identificationIllustrative background for Separation or identification ?? "content

Separation or identification

  • Chromatography can use the different elution times of different substances to:
    • Separate substances as they leave the column or plate at different times.
    • Identify substances using Rf values - something we will see later.
Illustrative background for Retention timeIllustrative background for Retention time ?? "content

Retention time

  • In gas chromatography, we typically measure the time taken for the substance to elute from the column - this is called the retention time.
    • Substances with a large retention time interact strongly with the stationary phase.
    • Substances with a small retention time interact weakly with the stationary phase.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

2Physical Chemistry 2 (A2 Only)

3Inorganic Chemistry

4Inorganic Chemistry 2 (A2 Only)

5Organic Chemistry 1

6Organic Chemistry 2 (A2 Only)

6.1Optical Isomerism (A2 Only)

6.2Aldehydes & Ketones (A2 Only)

6.3Carboxylic Acids & Esters (A2 Only)

6.4Aromatic Chemistry (A2 Only)

6.5Amines (A2 Only)

6.6Polymers (A2 Only)

6.7Biological Organic (A2 Only)

6.8Organic Synthesis (A2 Only)

6.9NMR Spectroscopy (A2 Only)

6.10Chromatography (A2 Only)

6.11A-A* (AO3/4) - Organic 2

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson