CHROMATOGRAPHY

A method of separating the components of a mixture based on

their different affinities for the stationary and mobile phase

Key terms
Stationary phase: Solid
material onto which
components of mixture are
initially adsorbed.

Mobile phase: Liquid or gas

that carries the components
of a mixture over the
stationary phase as it flows
through it

Adsorb: Attach to the

surface of a material
(stationary phase)

SEPaRATION
The separation is dependent on the
strength of each components interaction
with the stationary and mobile phase.
This is influenced by:

Relative polarities
Polarity of the Size of the
of the stationary
component component
and mobile phase

Eg the most polar

Number/type of Larger molecule-
component will be
polar groups more non polar
most strongly
adsorbed to a polar
stationary phase,
and least soluble in
a non-polar mobile
Comparison phase.

Components can be compared based

on their Rf value or retention time.

Eg for the blue spot The blue spot was least

Rf=8/10 strongly adsorbed to
=0.8 stationary phase and
Rf(purple)=0.6, Rf most soluble in the
(red)=0.2 mobile phase