CHROMATOGRAPHY: AN APPROACH AND OVERVIEW

Abstract

Chromatography is a versatile and widely used analytical technique in chemistry and biochemistry for separating and analyzing components within a mixture. Developed in the early 20th century, chromatography relies on the differential affinities of compounds to two distinct phases: the stationary phase and the mobile phase. The stationary phase is a solid or viscous liquid that stays fixed in place, while the mobile phase is a fluid (liquid or gas) that flows through or over the stationary phase.Key principles of chromatography involve the partitioning of compounds based on their chemical properties, such as polarity, charge, or size, which affect their interaction with the phases. This differential interaction leads to the separation of compounds as they move at different rates through the stationary phase under the influence of the mobile phase.