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Chromatography

Chromatography is a process that separates a mixture into its different components.

2 phases

2 phases

  • Substances are picked up and carried by a mobile phase (liquid or gas).
  • The mobile phase then moves through a stationary phase (solid or viscous liquid).
Separation of substances

Separation of substances

  • Depends on the distribution of a substance across the 2 phases:
    • A substance moves far if it's more attracted to the mobile phase.
    • A substance doesn't move far if it's more attracted to the stationary phase.
Strength of attraction

Strength of attraction

  • Different components can sometimes be equally attracted to a solvent.
  • Therefore, the number of spots a mixture produces can vary depending on the solvent used.
Locating agents

Locating agents

  • Chromatography can also be used to separate colourless components in mixtures.
  • Locating agents are used to show where the spots are.
  • Locating agents bind with the components of the mixture and can form coloured products, which locate the compounds.
  • In other cases, we can locate the spots under a UV lamp.
Jump to other topics
1

States of Matter

2

Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3

Stoichometry

4

Electrochemistry

5

Chemical Energetics

6

Chemical Reactions

7

Acids, Bases & Salts

8

The Periodic Table

9

Metals

10

Chemistry of the Environment

11

Organic Chemistry

11.1

Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2

Naming Organic Compounds

11.3

Fuels

11.4

Alkanes

11.5

Alkenes

11.6

Alcohols

11.7

Carboxylic Acids

11.8

Polymers

12

Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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    Locating agents:True / false
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