2.3.3

Column Chromatography

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Column Chromatography

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

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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.
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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.
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Experimental procedure

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

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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