2.3.3

Column Chromatography

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Column Chromatography

Column chromatography is one of the most commonly used methods for separating substances.

Experimental set up

Experimental set up

  • A glass column is packed with a solid support (normally silica).
  • The sample mixture is added above this, in the column.
  • An organic solvent is added which moves the sample down the solid support and through the column.
Mobile and stationary phases

Mobile and stationary phases

  • The solid support is the stationary phase.
  • The organic solvent is the mobile phase.
    • The more apolar substances are more soluble in the organic solvent. They interact more with the mobile phase and so run quickly through the column. They have a smaller retention time.
    • The more polar substances are less soluble and interact more with the stationary phase. They have a larger retention time.
Experimental procedure

Experimental procedure

  • Above shows the step-by-step process of separating substances using column chromatography.
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Principles of Science I

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1.7

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Principles of Science II

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Organic Chemistry

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Energy Changes in Industry

4.5

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Urinary System

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