Two way Chromatography

What is it?

Two-way chromatography is a process of separation; it causes samples to migrate in one direction and then subsequently at right angles to the first one.

What is it best used for?

Two-way chromatography is very useful at separating complex mixtures of similar compounds.

Examples

Seperating liquids:

This involves cuts and columns.

1) The sample is collected in a primary column (first dimension).
2) The sample is collected in a vial.
3) The sample is then injected into the second column this is the second dimension.

Online appraoch of speparating liquids

This is achieved by the coupling of the primary and secondary columns through switching valves. They are also more complex techniques used in the online approach.

Separating gases:

Gas Two-way chromatography involves a sample being vaporised and injected onto the head of the chromatographic column. The sample is transported through the column by the flow of inert, gaseous mobile phase. The column contains a liquid stationary phase which is adsorbed onto the surface of the solid.