Close Menu
My URL Pro

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    1cft and trading platforms

    June 27, 2025

    Above-Ground Sprinkler Systems: A Complete Guide to Affordable, Flexible, and Eco-Friendly Watering Solutions for Every Outdoor Space

    June 26, 2025

    How to Paint Trim? Step-by-Step Preparation, Techniques, Tools, and Tips for Achieving a Flawless Transformation

    June 26, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Homepage
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Our Authors
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    My URL ProMy URL Pro
    Subscribe
    • Homepage
    • Business
      • Digital Marketing
      • Real Estate
      • Finance
    • Technology
      • Gaming
      • Automobile
    • Lifestyle
      • Health
      • Entertainment
      • Fashion
      • Travel
      • Food
    • Featured
    • Home Improvement
    • More
      • Daily Bites
      • Sports
      • Law
      • Pets
    My URL Pro
    Home » What is Column Chromatography And How Does It Work?
    Business

    What is Column Chromatography And How Does It Work?

    By May 4, 2021Updated:December 4, 2024No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Table of Contents

    Toggle
    • What is chromatography?
    • What is it?
    • Working Principle
    • Adsorption
    • Mobile Phase
    • Stationary Phase
    • Procedure for the experiment
      • 1. Preparation of the column
      • 2. Sample Introduction
      • 3. Collecting Fractions
    • The different types
    • Applications
    • Conclusion

    What is chromatography?

    Chromatography is an essential instrumentation technique. It is a powerful separation tool that is utilized by almost all branches of science. It is a vital technique as it allows the separation of components of complex mixtures. Chromatography enables the separation of substances based on size, structure, nature, and other properties. There are many types of chromatography techniques. Based on the mode, they can be classified into Planar Chromatography and Column Chromatography.

    Similarly, based on the property of the sample, they can be classified into affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, flash chromatography, gas chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, etc. In this article, the focus is on column chromatography.

    What is it?

    It is a technique used to separate a single chemical compound from a fluid mixture. Generally, chromatography is used for separation, identification, or purification. Column chromatography is a separation technique.

    It can be used on a small scale as well as on large-scale materials to purify. This technique is utilized both in Biology as well as Chemistry. It is a solid-liquid chromatography process in which the stationary phase is a solid & the mobile phase is a liquid or gas.

    Working Principle

    To understand the working principle, one has to understand what is adsorption.

    Adsorption

    Adsorption is when solids attract molecules of solutions or gases that they may be in contact with. Adsorption is different from absorption. Adsorption happens only at the surface level, whereas absorption happens both at the surface and core levels.

    Column chromatography is the separation technique where the components of a complex mixture are separated through differential adsorption with respect to the stationary phase.

    For example, if there are three components in a solvent, with an absorption coefficient of 5(A), 10(B), and 15(C), C is going to get adsorbed first, then B, and then A. Hence, understanding adsorption is key to understanding this type of chromatography.

    There are two essential components of all chromatography techniques. They are the Mobile Phase and the Stationary Phase.

    Mobile Phase

    The mobile phase is the solvent, and it carries the substances(or components) of a complex mixture down the stationary phase. It is known as mobile because it moves through the chromatographic system. In this type of chromatography, this movement is under the influence of gravity.

    Stationary Phase

    It is selected based on the component to be separated and the type of chromatography performed. In this chromatography, the stationary phase is called the adsorbent. It is a solid substance, generally silica, alumina, or cellulose.

    Procedure for the experiment

    1. Preparation of the column

    1. The column is prepared by taking a glass tube, which is cleaned and dried and then coated with a thin layer of the Stationary Phase.
    2. The column’s bottom is packed with glass wool or cotton wool. Then the top of the column is covered with paper so that the Stationary Phase is not disturbed.
    3. There are two types of packing: Wet packing and Dry packing; in the former, the selected adsorbent is added as a slurry, while in the latter, the selected adsorbent is added as a dry powder.

    2. Sample Introduction

    1. The solvent or the Mobile Phase introduced in the column. The components get separated as bands due to the phenomenon of relative adsorption, as discussed earlier.

    3. Collecting Fractions

    1. Once the separation is completed, the samples are collected as fractions. This process is called Elution. The separated molecules can further be analyzed for various purposes.
    2. Pushing compressed air from the top of the column can speed up the process.
    3. One can further analyze the fractions by Thin Layer Chromatography for impurities and get the desired end product.

    The different types

    1. Adsorption Chromatography: If the stationary phase is adsorbent material like silica or alumina.
    2. Ion-exchange Chromatography: If the stationary phase is an ion-exchange resin.
    3. Affinity Chromatography: If the stationary phase is attached with a Ligand that binds with specific molecules like protein or enzyme. This chromatography is used in Biology.
    4. Gel Permeation Chromatography: If the stationary phase is a porous gel or beads.
    5. Partition Chromatography: The Stationary Phase and the Mobile Phase are liquid in partition chromatography.

    Applications

    1. To discover drug estimation from drug solutions.
    2. Used for the isolation of metabolic fluid from biological fluids.
    3. To teach students simple principles of chemistry. 

    Conclusion

    Any reaction will have unwanted side products, unreacted starting material, and other impurities in the product mixture. In such a situation, we need a way to separate everything to isolate the desired product, and often, that way is column chromatography.

    This process involves low cost, simple understanding, and disposability of the stationary phase used in the process. Hence, it is always a go-to technique for the basic requirements of a chemistry experiment.

    Read More:

    Apart from that, if you are interested to know about What are Fractions? Explain Partial Fractions then visit our Education category.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Related Posts

    1cft and trading platforms

    June 27, 2025

    Unlocking Communication: The Power of API-Based Calling Solutions

    June 10, 2025

    Elevate Your Hiring: ATS Benefits

    May 12, 2025
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    Don't Miss
    Business

    1cft and trading platforms

    By Noah AndersonJune 27, 20250

    Are you wondering how to start investing, but you feel that independent decisions are a…

    Above-Ground Sprinkler Systems: A Complete Guide to Affordable, Flexible, and Eco-Friendly Watering Solutions for Every Outdoor Space

    June 26, 2025

    How to Paint Trim? Step-by-Step Preparation, Techniques, Tools, and Tips for Achieving a Flawless Transformation

    June 26, 2025

    Integrating WiFi Solutions with IoT for Seamless Smart Home Automation

    June 24, 2025
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo
    Our Picks

    1cft and trading platforms

    June 27, 2025

    Above-Ground Sprinkler Systems: A Complete Guide to Affordable, Flexible, and Eco-Friendly Watering Solutions for Every Outdoor Space

    June 26, 2025

    How to Paint Trim? Step-by-Step Preparation, Techniques, Tools, and Tips for Achieving a Flawless Transformation

    June 26, 2025

    Integrating WiFi Solutions with IoT for Seamless Smart Home Automation

    June 24, 2025

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from SmartMag about art & design.

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Vimeo YouTube
    • Homepage
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Our Authors
    © Copyright 2025 Myurlpro All Rights Reserved

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.