Chromatography

- Chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze mixtures of compounds based on their affinity for a stationary phase and a mobile phase.
- It works on the principle that different compounds will interact differently with the stationary and mobile phases, leading to separation.
- The stationary phase can be a solid or liquid, while the mobile phase is typically a solvent that carries the mixture through the stationary phase.
- The compounds in the mixture will separate based on factors such as size, polarity, and solubility, allowing for identification and quantification of individual components.

Crystallisation

- Crystallisation is a purification technique used to separate a solid compound from a liquid mixture by allowing the compound to form crystals.
- The process involves dissolving the mixture in a solvent at an elevated temperature, then slowly cooling the solution to promote crystal formation.
- As the solution cools, the compound with the lowest solubility will crystallize out first, allowing for separation from the remaining liquid.
- Crystallisation is a simple yet effective method for purifying compounds, as the crystals can be easily filtered and washed to remove impurities.

Distillation

- Distillation is a technique used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on differences in boiling points.
- The process involves heating the mixture to vaporize the more volatile components, then condensing the vapors back into liquids for collection.
- The lower boiling point components will vaporize first and can be collected separately from the higher boiling point components.
- Distillation is commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages, essential oils, and chemicals, as it allows for the separation of components with minimal loss.

Centrifugation

- Centrifugation is a technique used to separate components of a mixture based on differences in density and size.
- The mixture is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speeds to generate centrifugal force, causing the denser components to move towards the bottom.
- As the components separate, they form distinct layers that can be easily decanted or pipetted off for further analysis.
- Centrifugation is commonly used in biological and chemical research to isolate cells, proteins, and particles from complex mixtures.