a chemical analysis is of doubtful value if the property measured cannot be specifibally related to the

substance in question. In most cases involving real samples, interfering constituents must be remorved
and/or the desired constituent must be isolated on consentrated before it can be identified and
measured. Numerous separation tecniques are available, but of all of them., chromatography is the
most widely and frequently used. Most chromatographic separations of mixtures are routinely
accomplished in a few minutes with relatively simple and inexpensive equipment.

Although similar separation, which could now e called chromatography, were absorved in
ancient times and were used by nineteenth century chemist, the first detailed description of
chromatography is generally credited to Michael Twestt, a Russian botanist, working in waraw. In 1960
he published a descriptionof the separation of chlorophylls and other pigments in a plant extract using
and apparatus similar to that shown in figure 4-1. He placed a petroleum ether solition containing the
sample at the top of a narrow glass tube which wa packed firmly with powdered calcium carbonate.
When he washed the sample throught the column with additional petroleum ether, he has observed
that the pigments were resolved (separated) into various colored zones. After carefully removing the
packing, he wa able to extract the individual constituens from the zones and identify them. Twestt
explained that the more strongly adsorbed pigments “displaced” the more weakly adsorbed ones. The
appearance of the colored bands (zones) suggested the name “ chromatography” from the greek words
for “color” and ´to write,” althought the colors are incidental and have no bearing on the principles of
the method.

Chromatography now embraced a variety of processes which are based on differential

distribution of the sample components between to phases. One phase remain fixed in the system and is
called the stationary phase . The other phase, called the mobile phase., percolates through the
interstices, or over the surface, of the fixed phase. The movement of the mobile phase causes a
differential migration of the sample components. The diverse mechanisms responsible for the
differential migration are the subject of the next few chapters.

In many respect, cromatograpy can be likened to the craight multiple extraction process. Both
utilize two phases, one of which moves with respect to the other. In chromatography, however, the
mobile phase moves continuously. At each point along the coulumn, equilibration between the phases is
very fast, althought never completely achieved. The craigh process is limited to the use of two
immiscible liquid solvents, whereas in chromatography we will also make use of other types of phases.
Compered to the elaborate apparatus required for the
Craig process, a chromatograpyhic separation can be achieved with a piece paper and a beaker, or a
buret partially filled with the stationary phase.