Liquid chromatography

/ˈlɪkwəd ˌkroʊməˈtɑgrəfi/ noun

Definition

A chromatographic technique that uses liquid mobile phases to separate compounds based on their differential partitioning between mobile and stationary phases. It's particularly useful for non-volatile, thermally unstable, or high molecular weight compounds.

Etymology

Named for its liquid 'mobile phase' combined with 'chromatography.' Evolved from early paper and thin-layer chromatography in the early 1900s, with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) developed in the 1960s using high pressure for improved separation.

Kelly Says

Liquid chromatography is the gentle giant of separation techniques - it can separate delicate molecules that would be destroyed by the heat of gas chromatography! Modern HPLC systems use such high pressure that they could shoot liquid through a garden hose with enough force to cut through wood.

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