Paper chromatography is one of the kinds of chromatography which is used for separating complex mixtures and identifying the analytes or components. The mixture gets separated since several analytes will attract more to the stationary phase (a piece of specialized paper) and several components can be attracted to the mobile phase hence they travel with it. Paper chromatography is typically utilized as an instructing to explain the basic functions of chromatography, but it is used in some applications, let's check it out.
- Reaction monitoring.
- To ensure the control of the purity of pharmaceuticals.
- For the study of ripening and fermentation.
- For the analysis of the reaction mix in biochemical laboratories.
- To detect contaminated substances in beverages and foodstuffs.
- For the analysis of cosmetics.
- Separation and purification techniques for components.
- Forensic testing.
- Performance-enhancing drug testing.
Commonly asked questions on paper chromatography are as follows.
What industries use paper chromatography?
Paper chromatography is commonly used in the analysis of various foods as well as in the pharmaceutical industries. It is mostly used in the analysis of colors that is used in the ice-creams, sweets, jams & jellies, beverages, and other foodstuffs.
What is the principle of paper chromatography?
The paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) works on the same principle that is partition chromatography in which the molecules are partitioned or distributed between liquid phases.
What factors affect paper chromatography?
Many factors affect paper chromatography such as the concentration of the sample, the length of the paper, type of solvent or mobile phase used, the thickness of paper, quality of paper used, and working temperature.
