elution

Elution is a process used to separate and extract specific substances from a mixture by passing a solvent or liquid through a material that acts like a filter or trap. As the solvent moves through the material, different components in the mixture are washed out or released at different rates based on their properties. This technique is commonly used in laboratories for purifying chemicals or analyzing samples, allowing targeted substances to be collected separately from others. In essence, elution helps to "wash out" and isolate specific compounds from a mixture efficiently.