2.3.1

Overview of Chromatography

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Basics of Chromatography

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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