What does chromatography separate

Chromatography can be used to separate mixtures of coloured compounds. Mixtures that are suitable for separation by chromatography include inks, dyes and colouring agents in food. Simple chromatography is carried out on paper. A spot of the mixture is placed near the bottom of a piece of chromatography paper. The paper is then placed upright in a suitable solvent , such as water. As the solvent soaks up the paper, it carries the mixtures with it. STEP 3 — Once the analyte arrives at the stationary phase, the components that comprise the analyte selectively interact with the stationary phase, with some components interacting more and some less, resulting in the desired separation.

STEP 4 — The mobile phase carries the separated analyte components to a special instrument that can detect the presence of the components in the mobile phase and provide a data signal that can be used to quantify the separation.

Chromatography is a popular technique used in laboratories around the world. Scientists are employing chromatography as an analysis tool for pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, industrial, forensics, and many other industries. As the technology driving the growth and implementation of chromatography constantly improves, the basic principle remains the same with the overall effectiveness of chromatography largely depending on the scientist choosing the right technique and phases to use within that technique.

Chemists use advanced chromatography techniques to find out why coffee is bitter Cole-Parmer in Research: Targeting cancer at the tumour site. Language English German. Sign In. New Customer? Register Now. What is Chromatography and How it Does it Work? What is Chromatography? Chromatography Basics At its inception, chromatography was used to separate plant pigments into their contributing chemicals. Chromatography Phases Most chromatography methods have an inert mobile phase that carries the analyte through a long stationary phase housed inside a column.

Chromatography Techniques In most laboratories, chromatography is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC or gas chromatography GC. The paper is lowered into the solvent. The solvent travels up through the paper, taking some of the coloured substances with it. As the solvent continues to travel up the paper, the different coloured substances spread apart.

In this example, the colours separated substances are yellow, red and black.