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
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Paper Chromatography
- Stationary phase: Paper
- Mobile phase: Solvent
- Separation occurs due to different solubilities and capillary action.
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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.
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Column Chromatography
- Stationary phase: Packed column of adsorbent
- Mobile phase: Solvent flows through column
- Separates larger quantities of substances.
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Gas Chromatography (GC)
- Mobile phase: Inert gas
- Stationary phase: Liquid or polymer coating inside a column
- Used for volatile compounds.
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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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