Chromatographie

Chromatographie, the German term for chromatography, refers to a family of techniques for separating mixtures into their constituent components. In all variants, separation arises from the differential distribution of compounds between a mobile phase that transports the sample and a stationary phase that remains fixed. The choice of phases and the system’s geometry determine the mechanism and efficiency of the separation.

Planar chromatography, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and paper chromatography, uses a flat stationary surface. Column chromatography employs a packed or open-tubing column and can be divided into gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), the latter often performed at high pressures as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Other modes include size-exclusion, ion-exchange, and affinity chromatography. Retention depends on adsorption to the stationary phase, partitioning into a liquid phase, molecular size, or electrostatic interactions that influence the movement of components.

Common stationary phases include silica gel or alumina for LC, and various liquids or polymers for GC capillary columns. Detection methods range from UV/Vis absorbance and refractive index to fluorescence and mass spectrometry, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis. Key performance measures include retention time, retention factor (Rf in planar methods), selectivity, and resolution between peaks. Chromatographie serves analytical, preparative, and purification roles across chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and materials research.

History notes: chromatographie was developed in the early 20th century by Mikhail Tsvet to separate plant pigments; modern techniques have expanded in scope and sensitivity. While solvent use and method development require care, chromatographie remains a versatile and widely used tool in science.