Column Chromatography

Column chromatography is a versatile technique for separating and purifying both solids and liquids, utilizing a solid stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase. It operates on the principle of differential adsorption by the adsorbent, with common adsorbents including silica, alumina, and calcium carbonate. Selection of solvent depends on solvent and adsorbent nature, influencing separation rate and purity. Components are dissolved in solvent and introduced at the column’s top, where they pass through and are adsorbed at different regions based on adsorption ability. Elution, achieved by adding solvent at the top, separates components, with weaker adsorbed ones eluting faster. Fractions are collected, and solvent is distilled or evaporated to obtain pure components. Stronger intermolecular forces lead to stronger binding to the stationary phase, resulting in longer retention times in the column.