chromatography Definition
- 1a laboratory technique for the separation of a mixture by passing it in solution or suspension or as a vapor (as in gas chromatography) through a medium in which the components move at different rates
- 2the separation of chemical substances by differential movement through a two-phase system
Using chromatography: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chromatography" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Chromatography is used to separate and identify the components of a mixture.
Example
Gas chromatography is commonly used in forensic science.
Example
Paper chromatography is a simple form of chromatography that is often used in schools.
chromatography Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for chromatography
- fractionation
- separation technique
Phrases with chromatography
a method of separating and purifying chemical compounds based on their differing affinities for a stationary solid phase and a mobile liquid phase
Example
Column chromatography is a widely used purification technique in biochemistry.
thin-layer chromatography
a chromatographic technique in which a liquid sample is applied to a glass plate coated with a thin layer of a finely divided adsorbent (as silica gel or alumina), which separates into colored components as it is carried across the plate by a moving solvent
Example
Thin-layer chromatography is a quick and easy way to analyze complex mixtures.
a technique for separating dissolved substances from one another by drawing them up a piece of absorbent paper
Example
Paper chromatography is used to separate the pigments in plant leaves.
Summary: chromatography in Brief
Chromatography [kroh-muh-tog-ruh-fee] is a laboratory technique used to separate a mixture by passing it through a medium in which the components move at different rates. It is commonly used to separate and identify the components of a mixture, such as in gas chromatography, paper chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography. Chromatography is also used in column chromatography, a widely used purification technique in biochemistry.
