Column Chromatography

Definition

Column chromatography is a method used to purify individual chemical compounds from mixtures. It works by passing a mixture dissolved in a mobile phase through a column packed with solid stationary phase material.

Related terms

Adsorption: The process by which atoms, ions or molecules from a substance adhere to a surface of an adsorbent.

Elution Volume: The volume of eluent required to carry an analyte off the column in chromatography.

Stationary Phase:

This is what stays still during chromatographic separation; it can be solid or liquid supported on solid.