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Separation of Solutions and Mixtures Chromatography

Chromatography is a technique used to separate components of a mixture based on differences in their interactions with a stationary phase and a mobile phase. It is widely used in chemical analysis, purification, and research.

Types of Chromatography

  1. Paper Chromatography

    • Stationary phase: Paper
    • Mobile phase: Solvent
    • Separation occurs due to different solubilities and capillary action.
  2. Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC)

    • Stationary phase: Thin layer of adsorbent (silica gel or alumina) on a plate
    • Mobile phase: Solvent
    • Used for quick analysis and monitoring reactions.
  3. Column Chromatography

    • Stationary phase: Packed column of adsorbent
    • Mobile phase: Solvent flows through column
    • Separates larger quantities of substances.
  4. Gas Chromatography (GC)

    • Mobile phase: Inert gas
    • Stationary phase: Liquid or polymer coating inside a column
    • Used for volatile compounds.
  5. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

    • Advanced liquid chromatography with high pressure
    • Offers high resolution and precise separation.

Principles

  • Retention Factor (Rf): Ratio of distance traveled by a substance to the distance traveled by the solvent in TLC.
  • Components interact differently with the stationary and mobile phases based on polarity, size, and solubility.
  • Faster-moving components spend more time in the mobile phase; slower ones interact more with the stationary phase.

Applications

  • Purification of chemicals
  • Identification of compounds
  • Separation of pigments, drugs, and biomolecules
  • Monitoring reaction progress

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