reverse-phase chromatography

Reverse-phase chromatography is a laboratory technique used to separate components of a mixture. It involves a column filled with a non-polar (water-repelling) material as the stationary phase. The mixture, dissolved in a polar (water-attracting) solvent, is passed through the column. Polar molecules move quickly and exit first, while non-polar molecules stick to the stationary phase longer and exit later. By changing the solvent's composition, scientists can control how each component separates, allowing for detailed analysis or purification of complex mixtures.