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capillary column

instrument
Also known as: Golay column, open-tubular column

Quick Summary

A capillary column is a type of chromatography column, which is a fundamental instrument in analytical chemistry used for separating chemical substances. In chromatography, there are two phases: a stationary phase and a mobile phase. The stationary phase is typically a solid material, like silica or alumina, packed into a tube or forming the walls of a capillary. The mobile phase, which can be a liquid or a gas, flows through the column, carrying the sample to be separated.123

Different components of the sample interact with the stationary phase to varying degrees. Those with a stronger affinity for the stationary phase move more slowly through the column, while those with weaker affinities move faster. This difference in migration speed allows for the separation of the sample's components. Gas chromatography often uses capillary columns, where an inert gas serves as the mobile phase.132

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