What is the purpose of chromatography?

The purpose of chromatography lies in its ability to separate, identify, and purify the components of a mixture based on their different interactions with a stationary phase and a mobile phase. This technique is widely used in chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science for analyzing complex mixtures. Through chromatography, different substances can be resolved to illustrate their unique chemical properties, which allows for the identification and quantification of each component.

In laboratory settings, this method is invaluable for purifying substances as well. It enables chemists to isolate specific compounds from mixtures, making it essential for tasks such as drug development, quality control, and environmental testing. The dynamic nature of chromatography, where retention times and interactions can vary widely among different compounds, underscores its role in both analysis and purification processes.