Chromatographic Theory

Chromatographic theory describes how mixtures are separated based on differences in how their components interact with a stationary phase (solid or liquid fixed in place) and a mobile phase (liquid or gas that moves through). When a mixture is introduced, each component moves at a different rate depending on its affinity for the stationary phase versus the mobile phase. This causes the components to separate over time, allowing their identification and analysis. Essentially, chromatography exploits these differences in interactions to divide complex mixtures into individual parts for study.