Role of Silica Gel and Thin Layer Chromatography in Column Chromatography Process.

Column Chromatography is said to be a method that is utilized to isolate segments inside any substance. It is fundamentally a biological term with additionally figures the synthetic synthesis of any substance. This separation process consists of two phases that are a mobile and a stationary phase. The basic working is done on the stationary phase when adsorption is done and then the mobile phase is passed into it.

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This is the procedure which helps in the separation of the constituent mixtures. It is isolated based on its solubility and absorption rate. Chromatography is of two types - Column Chromatography and adsorption chromatography. Absorption chromatography is also divided into Thin Layer Chromatography and Column Chromatography. Column chromatography is also divided into two types. They are paper and gas chromatography.

Among all the methods, mostly people prefer Column Chromatography as the most appropriate one and commonly used for the separation of mixed organic substances. In the case of silica gel column chromatography, it is available in many types of required mesh sizes – 60-120 mesh, 30-60 mesh, 70-230 mesh, 100-200 mesh, 400-600 mesh and many more. These adsorbents are used in different mesh sizes which are selected based on the water content present in it as well as on the complexity of the mixture and molecules of the desired compound. It is usually used for the purification of organic compounds like steroids, alkaloid and pharmaceutical work as well.

In Silica Gel Column Chromatography, there are mainly four types of methods used, which is analytical chromatography which is used to analyze that how much percentage of mixture is to be purified. This is a very fast and cost-effective method for separation. Another is preparative chromatography, which is used to optimize the opportunities of the process and also improves the process of separation.

Next, process chromatography where the separation is taken up to a biologics level and separation of proteins, viruses, hormones, and anti-bodies is now possible. The last is gravity chromatography which is said to be the manual process. The mixture is allowed to move around by gravitational force.