[Chemistry Class Notes] on Column Chromatography Pdf for Exam

Chemistry is a subject of reasons that tells us why substance combines with different elements to form a new component. It is a science of invention and discovery. For many people, chemistry is a mystery, but for few, it is a subject for creating new things. One of the essential parts of chemistry is the separation and formation of substances. And column chromatography is a part of such theory which we will know in detail in this article.

 

In the article, we will know about column chromatography, column chromatography principle, applications of column chromatography, and types of column chromatography, advantages and disadvantages of chromatography, and many more topics. Before diving into the big topic, let us understand the basics.

 

Column Chromatography Definition 

Column chromatography is used by an organic chemist to separate liquids and solids from a solution. A column of absorbents which is silica gel or it may be alumina gets loaded in a column filled with impurities when experimenting. This mixture flows down the column, and the component of the sample is separated by splitting between the mobile eluent and stationary packing material. In simple terms, column chromatography is the separation of substances from a solution to get the simpler substances from the complex elements. Five types of column chromatography are used in the process of separation. The process goes through two phases, that is the mobile phase and the stationary phase.

 

Types of Column Chromatography

Five types of chromatography can be applied to the basic principles of chromatography. Gas chromatography (GC), chiral liquid chromatography (LC), Ion exchange chromatography (IEC), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), are the five methods that use column in column chromatography.

 

In gas chromatography, the mobile phase is a gas, and in liquid chromatography, the liquid is used in the mobile phase. Ion exchange is used in the stationary phase to ionize and separate the ion and molecules. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and chiral chromatography are complex ways of separation of molecules in mixtures that are generally used for large samples.

 

Principle of Column Chromatography

 

 

Principle of Column Chromatography

A sample mixture is taken, which is set on the top of the column. This mixture is made to absorb on the top of the stationary phase.  The stationary phase is the next step after the mobile phase for the separation of the mixture in the column. The separation of the compounds happens due to the polarization of the molecules, and the speed rate moves the particles and separates them in the mixture. The polarization of the molecules in the mix initiates the separation of the components in the mixture. After the mobile phase, the molecules get collected in small fractions in a test tube, and then isolation and purification follow. Through a rotary evaporator, salt is separated from the mixture and another compound is separated. The process of column chromatography is used for the separation and purification of the compound in a mixture. It is a convenient method of separation and purification of substances in a mixture that is widely used by a chemist. One has to have all the focus and attention in the process. You can automate the process, but the cost increases, so the manual way is much preferred by the chemist.

 

Application of Column Chromatography

• Column chromatography is used in the purification of compounds.

• Separation of molecules for a mixture and using it in the formation of a new substance.

• Used by a chemist to know the drug estimate in a drug solution.

• It is used to separate diastereomers, isolate racemate and separate geometrical isomers

• Used for the isolation of metabolic fluid from a biological fluid.

 

Advantages of Column Chromatography

• The process involves the separation of any mixture

• Separation of impurities from any mixture.

• Any variety and quantity separation are possible.

• The process involves low cost and simple understanding.

• All varieties of solvents can be used in the process which will give you the required result. 

• The process can be fully automated, which is done by big laboratories.

 

Disadvantages of Column Chromatography

• It is a lengthy and time-consuming process.

• Small quantities become inadequate in the separation process; the only substantial amount can be used for separation.

• The process is expensive in comparison to the thin paper column chromatography process.

• It is a long process, so attention and focus are required throughout the process.

• If the process is automated, then the process becomes costly.

 

Chromatography is one of the most widely used techniques that are used for separating the components. The mobile phase can either be a liquid or gas substance. This allows the flow of the molecules in the column. The mobile phase can never be solid as it does not help the components flow through the column. The stationary phase however can either be solid liquid or gas. Students can now also learn more about Column Chromatography – Principle, Definition, Types, Applications, Advantages, and Disadvantages where they get to prepare for the exam and take their revision notes.