Separating Ferrocene and Acetylferrocene by adsorption column chromatography

AcetylferroceneFerrocene

Adsorption column chromatography

In Column chromatography, the stationary phase (absorbent) is packed in a glass column

The mobile phase (solvent), moves through the packed column

The solvent that is used as the mobile phase is called an eluent

Atracttion

A mixture of compounds is added to the eluent As the eluent moves through the column the mobile

phase and stationary phase interact with the compounds.

If a compound is more attracted to the mobile phase it will move rapidly through the column and Elute, (leave)

If a compound is more attracted to the stationary phase it will move slower.

Atracttion

The more polar compounds in the mixture will bind strongly to the absorbent : less polar compounds not so strong.

Separtion occurs when an eluent with a low to moderate polarity is passed through the column.

The less polar compounds in the mixture will move throught the column

The strongly polar compounds will remain with the absorbent.

Polarity of eluents

In some cases two eluents maybe used, the eluent with the lowest polarity is used first

Hexane Tetrachloroethane Benzene Toluene Trichloroethane Dichloroethane Diethylether Tert-butyl-methyl ether Ethyl acetate Acetone Ethanol Methanol water

INCREASING

POLARITY

Ferrocene = Yellow

Acetylferrocene = orange