Separation of Solutions and Mixtures Chromatography

Section 1: Basic Concept of Chromatography

Chromatography is a separation technique used to separate the different components in a liquid mixture.
This technique operates on the principle of differential distribution of the mixture components between two phases: a stationary phase and a mobile phase.
The mobile phase is a fluid that flows over or through the stationary phase, carrying with it the components of the mixture.
The stationary phase, usually solid or liquid, retains different components to different extents hence leads to the separation of components.

Section 2: Types of Chromatography

There are many types of chromatography, including Paper Chromatography, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High Performance liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography.
In Paper Chromatography, paper is used as the stationary phase and a solvent as the mobile phase.
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) operates much like paper chromatography, but instead of paper, a thin layer of material such as alumina, silica gel, or cellulose on flat, inert substrate is used as the stationary phase.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) uses a solid stationary phase, typically packed inside a stainless-steel column, and a liquid flowing mobile phase.
Gas Chromatography separates components of a mixture by using a gas as the mobile phase and a liquid or solid stationary phase.

Section 3: Applications of Chromatography

Chromatography has extensive applications in both industrial and research settings.
It plays a crucial role in many pharmaceutical industries for the separation of raw materials, monitoring the raw materials and quality control.
Chromatography techniques are commonly used in forensic science to identify drug use, poisoning, and other chemical-related crimes.
Food and beverage industries also use chromatography to test product quality and safety by detecting any contaminants.

Section 4: Factors Affecting Chromatography

The strength of intermolecular forces, such as dipole-dipole forces, London (dispersion) forces, and hydrogen bonding can significantly influence the separation process in chromatography.
Temperature also plays a crucial role in chromatography. An increase in temperature increases the speed at which the mobile phase travels, which can affect separation.
The polarity of the mobile and stationary phase can also have a huge impact on the chromatographic technique.

Remember, understanding the principle and application of chromatography can provide insights into how intermolecular forces influence the interaction of substances, which is key for separation techniques.