Kromatógrafía

Kromatógrafía is a laboratory technique used to separate mixtures. It works by passing a mixture through a stationary phase, which can be a solid or liquid, and a mobile phase, which is a liquid or gas. The components of the mixture travel at different rates through the stationary phase depending on their physical and chemical properties, such as polarity and size. This differential movement leads to their separation.

The stationary phase is typically packed into a column or spread as a thin layer on a flat surface. The mobile phase carries the mixture through the stationary phase. As the mobile phase flows, components that interact more strongly with the stationary phase move more slowly, while those that interact less strongly move faster. This difference in speed results in the separation of the components into distinct bands or zones.

There are many types of chromatography, each suited for different applications. Common examples include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), and paper chromatography. Liquid chromatography is used for separating non-volatile compounds, while gas chromatography is employed for volatile substances. Paper chromatography uses a strip of paper as the stationary phase and is a simpler method often used for educational purposes.

Chromatography is a versatile tool used in various fields, including chemistry, biology, medicine, and environmental science. It is essential for identifying, quantifying, and purifying compounds in complex mixtures. Applications range from analyzing drug purity and environmental pollutants to separating proteins and DNA.