Chromatography is a laboratory technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures. It involves separating individual components of a mixture based on their chemical and physical properties.
The process involves passing the mixture through a stationary phase, such as a solid or a liquid, and a mobile phase, such as a gas or a liquid. As the mixture passes through the stationary phase, different components interact with the stationary phase to varying degrees, causing them to separate from one another. The separated components can then be analyzed and identified.
There are several types of chromatography, including gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography, each of which uses different stationary and mobile phases and detection methods.
Chromatography is widely used in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, environmental science, food science, and forensic science, among others. It is a powerful tool for identifying and quantifying individual components of a mixture, and developing new drugs, monitoring environmental pollutants, and detecting illegal drugs and substances.