Advantages:
1. Different Selectivity:
Partition chromatography can offer different selectivities compared to adsorption chromatography, making it useful for separating compounds that might co-elute in other techniques.
2. Gentler Separation:
Since the separation relies on a partitioning equilibrium between two liquid phases, it can be gentler on labile or sensitive compounds.
3. Flexibility:
The choice of stationary and mobile phases offers flexibility, allowing separations to be tailored to specific compound types or mixtures.
Disadvantages:
1. Efficiency:
It might offer lower plate numbers (and thus, in some cases, lower resolution) compared to other chromatographic methods like HPLC or GC.
2. Bleeding:
The stationary liquid phase might bleed or evaporate from the column, especially at elevated temperatures, which can affect reproducibility and separation efficiency.
3. Solvent Usage:
Like other forms of column chromatography, partition chromatography can also consume a significant volume of solvents, leading to higher costs and environmental concerns.
Applications:
1. Amino Acid Separation:
Historically, before the rise of HPLC, partition chromatography was a method of choice for amino acid separations.
2. Biochemical Separations:
Useful for purifying or separating biomolecules that might be sensitive to the strong adsorptive forces present in adsorption chromatography.
3. Natural Product Isolation:
Can be employed in the isolation and purification of natural products, especially when tailored selectivity is required.
4. Essential Oils and Flavors:
Useful for separating volatile compounds present in essential oils or flavor extracts.
5. Research:
In academic and research settings, partition chromatography can be a valuable tool for investigating compound mixtures or for purifying specific compounds of interest.
