Normal-Phase Chromatography

Unlike reversed-phase chromatography, where the stationary phase is hydrophobic, normal phase chromatography employs a stationary phase that is hydrophilic in nature. Because of this, molecules with hydrophilic properties contained within the mobile phase or feedstock will have a high affinity for the stationary phase, and therefore will more readily adhere to the column packing.

Hydrophobic molecules having less of an affinity for the column packing will pass through or be eluted first. Hydrophilic molecules can be eluted from the column by decreasing the polarity of the mobile phase using an organic (polar) solvent. The polar nature of the solvent reduces hydrophilic interactions and allows release from the stationary phase so it can be collected. The more hydrophilic the molecule, the more strongly it will bind to the stationary phase, and the higher the concentration of organic solvent that will be required to elute the molecule.

YMC has been a manufacturer of normal phase technology for nearly 40 years, having pioneered uses in industrial chromatography. Discover the many YMC normal-phase products that provide superior separations under a wide range of conditions.