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What is Chromatography?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Chromatography is a process that can be used to isolate the various components of a mixture. There are a number of different types in use, including gas, liquid, paper, and gel permeation chromatography, and this process can get quite involved, especially with complex mixtures. It is also an extremely useful addition to a variety of fields, including pure and applied sciences, forensics, and athletics, among others.

The process relies on the fact that different molecules will behave in different ways when they are dissolved in a solvent and moved across an absorbent medium. In a very simple example, one could take ink and make a mark on a piece of paper. The paper could be dipped into water, and the capillary action of the water would pull the ink through the paper. As the ink moved, its ingredients would separate out, revealing a distinctive pattern that could be used to determine the components of the ink.

Analytical chromatography is used in drug testing.
Analytical chromatography is used in drug testing.

In preparative chromatography, researchers separate individual components of a compound for use in the lab or in research. This process can get extremely precise: using this technique, for example, scientists can isolate two strands of DNA that differ by only a few pieces of information. In analytical chromatography, the goal is to figure out what is in a sample. Drug testing relies on this technique to isolate illicit substances in urine and blood samples, for instance.

Chromatography is a scientific process wherein a solvent is used to separate the many components of a complex mixture.
Chromatography is a scientific process wherein a solvent is used to separate the many components of a complex mixture.

In the example above with a dot of ink and a piece of paper, the basic concepts behind the process are illustrated, although most methods are a bit more sophisticated. It is important to choose the right solvent or carrier fluid to dissolve the sample in and to select an appropriate solid medium to pass the sample through. Poor choices can result in confusing or inaccurate results, and the procedure requires substantial skills on the part of the operator to ensure that it returns useful data.

Chromatography relies on the fact that different molecules will behave in different ways when they are dissolved in a solvent and moved across an absorbent medium.
Chromatography relies on the fact that different molecules will behave in different ways when they are dissolved in a solvent and moved across an absorbent medium.

The result of a session is a chromatograph, a printout that provides information about the substance being analyzed. The printout usually takes the form of a chart with a series of troughs and peaks. Each peak represents a substance present in the sample, and the concentrations of these substances can be determined by looking at the height and width of the peak. Computerized chromatography machines generate such printouts automatically as the data is produced, and they can also be made by hand.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments

Taha

Thank you for your information.

anon162338

thanks. Now i understand!

anon159692

thank you. i now understand what chromatography is.

anon89523

Cool! I didn't know that. Anyway, thanks. it helped me with my biology lab report.

anon88137

i can't believe they asked me this on my year seven half yearly. thanks guys, it helped. i got 100 percent.

anon87518

It was kind of useful for some things. overall it helped me.

anon80172

thanks! finally done with my chemistry assignment!

anon73939

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anon73488

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anon68509

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anon68143

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anon60699

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anon58822

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    • Analytical chromatography is used in drug testing.
      By: Von Schonertagen
      Analytical chromatography is used in drug testing.
    • Chromatography is a scientific process wherein a solvent is used to separate the many components of a complex mixture.
      By: shoot4u
      Chromatography is a scientific process wherein a solvent is used to separate the many components of a complex mixture.
    • Chromatography relies on the fact that different molecules will behave in different ways when they are dissolved in a solvent and moved across an absorbent medium.
      By: Ioana Davies (Drutu)
      Chromatography relies on the fact that different molecules will behave in different ways when they are dissolved in a solvent and moved across an absorbent medium.
    • Chromatography is performed on urine samples used for drug tests.
      By: Tootles
      Chromatography is performed on urine samples used for drug tests.
    • Drug testing from blood samples may utilize chromatography.
      By: frog-travel
      Drug testing from blood samples may utilize chromatography.