Category: User Tips

How does solvent choice impact flash column chromatography performance?

Selectivity and solvent strength are the most important factors that determine success or failure of a chromatographic separation. These two independent dynamics apply to both normal- and reversed-phase chromatography and should be optimized, especially when high fraction purity is needed.

In this post I will discuss the impact that elution solvent choice has on both normal- and reversed-phase purification. Continue reading How does solvent choice impact flash column chromatography performance?

Pushing flash column chromatography loading limits

A question I hear a lot from chemists is “how much can I load”. The answer is always “it depends on your separation quality”.  At that point I begin asking about the TLC data and purification goals. Purification goal setting should be your first step and the question to answer is – what do I need this purification to achieve? Is the goal high purity, high yield, or some combination.  Remember, you will typically sacrifice purity for high yield and yield for high purity so optimization is an important consideration.

In this post I will discuss the results of a study I conducted where I continually increased the crude sample load until my target compound purity fell below specific targeted levels to understand the real loading limitation. Continue reading Pushing flash column chromatography loading limits