Silica Gel Important for Preparative and Analytical Chromatography

Preparative Chromatography

Chromatography, as we all know, is the process of separating different components of any given mixture, with the help of a vertical glass column. It involves a stationary phase, usually Silica Gel, and a mobile phase, both of which work in tandem to separate the compounds at different levels. Chromatography can be divided into many categories. Some of the commonly used ones are column, flash, preparative and analytical, to name a few.

In preparative chromatography, the components of the mixture are separated for the purpose that they can be sent for further analysis. This is the whole purpose of preparative chromatography, as the term “preparative” itself suggests. Preparative chromatography is generally used for the separation of smaller particles. It also finds use in separating two strands of DNA, which are to be sent for further analysis.

Analytical Chromatography

Just like preparative chromatography, analytical chromatography is also widely used.  This form of chromatography is known to be used when smaller amounts of material are to be separated. Analytical Chromatography comes in handy when one needs to measure the relative proportions of analytes in any given mixture. Most companies prefer analytical chromatography over other forms of chromatography as it is simple, fast and time saving. It also makes more economic sense to use analytical chromatography. This form of chromatography can be used in health care, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and quality control tabs.

Silica Gel in Preparative and Analytical Chromatography

While both the processes are different, there is one thing common to Preparative and Analytical Chromatography. It is the use of Silica Gel as the stationary phase. As mentioned earlier, it is the stationary phase, which attracts the different compounds of the mixture meant for separation. This separation and differentiation depends on the acidity/alkaline nature of the Silica Gel being used. Different components will react at different levels and that is how the separation takes place. 

While choosing the Silica Gel being used in both preparative and analytical chromatography, it is highly important that only the top-quality Silica Gel be used. If top-quality Silica Gel is not available, then it will greatly hamper the separation and differentiation process.

This is where the role of recommended top-class Silica Gel manufacturers like Sorbead India becomes crucial. We are one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of Silica Gel in the country. Companies can always depend on us for top-quality and high functioning Silica Gel desiccants.