Liquid Chromatography (LC) is a type of chromatography where a liquid (mobile phase) is used to carry the sample through a stationary phase to separate and analyze the components of a mixture.
How It Works:
- The mixture is dissolved in a liquid.
- This liquid (mobile phase) flows through a column or layer that contains a solid or viscous material (stationary phase).
- Different substances in the mixture interact differently with the stationary phase:
- Some stick more → move slower
- Some stick less → move faster
- This difference in movement causes the separation of components.
- The separated substances can then be collected or detected.
Key Features:
- Can separate liquids or dissolved solids.
- Works for polar and non-polar compounds depending on the stationary phase.
- Can be used for qualitative (what is present) and quantitative (how much is present) analysis.
Uses of Liquid Chromatography:
- Testing medicines, food, and beverages.
- Analyzing biological samples like blood or urine.
- Purifying chemical compounds in laboratories.
- Environmental analysis for pollutants in water or soil.
In Short:
Liquid chromatography is a method that separates substances in a mixture using a liquid to carry them through a stationary material, making it useful for analysis, purification, and quality control.