Question

What is TLC and column chromatography?

Answer 1

Hint: Non-volatile mixtures are separated using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a chromatography technique. Column chromatography is a chromatography technique which is used to separate the mixture of chemical substances into its individual compounds.

Complete answer:
Thin layer chromatography (TLC) involves the use of a thin layer of some adsorbent as stationary phase coated on some inert support like glass or plastic sheet, while the solvent, the mobile phase percolates through the layer. The mixture that is to be analysed is deposited near the bottom of the plate and the solvent is made to move up the plate.
Column chromatography is a chromatography method which is used to isolate a single chemical compound from a mixture and this process is used to separate substances on the basis of differential adsorption of compounds to the adsorbent; the compounds move through the column at different rates, allowing them to be separated into fractions. This technique is widely applicable, as many different adsorbents in normal phase, reversed phase, or otherwise can be used with a wide range of solvents. The technique can be used on scales from micrograms up to kilograms.
The main advantage of column chromatography is the low cost over others and disposability of the stationary phase used in the process. It prevents cross-contamination and stationary phase degradation due to recycling. Column chromatography can be done using gravity to move the solvent, or using compressed gas to push the solvent through the column.

Note: Thin layer chromatography (TLC), is similar to paper chromatography. But instead of filter paper, a thin layer of some adsorbent is used as the stationary phase in TLC. Thin layer chromatography has many advantages over paper chromatography. This technique is less time consuming and is very convenient. There is also a greater sharpness of separation and a higher sensitivity.