Chromatography is a vital chemical process with an incredible variety of applications. Put simply, chromatography is a process that allows researchers to separate components of a mixture for closer analysis and more precise identification. This versatile technique has an abundance of applications, including some uses you benefit from every single day. Read on to discover some of the most interesting uses of chromatography you didn’t know about.
Catching Criminals With Forensic Testing
Chromatography—specifically, gas chromatography—plays a vital role in forensics. Forensic scientists use gas chromatography to analyze samples and learn more about a case.
For example, crime scene investigators use chromatography to learn more about blood or cloth samples from a crime scene. Gas chromatography can also help identify the chemicals behind a fire, making it useful when verifying the source of arson.
Additionally, chromatography plays a vital role in many types of blood testing. Forensic scientists can trace levels of alcohol, drugs, or other substances in a body to help determine the cause of death.
Performing Purification in Organic Chemistry Lab Studies
Organic chemists, medical researchers, and other professionals value chromatography as a purification technique because it is more precise and efficient than alternative methods. The ability to separate, identify, and purify specific chemical components is integral for a variety of lab studies, making this one of the most important and interesting uses of chromatography you may not have known about. For instance, pharmaceutical scientists must be able to precisely set up, evaluate, purify, and analyze chemical reactions to develop medicines that produce desired reactions within the body.
Conducting Precise Food and Beverage Quality Tests
Food and beverage companies must meet strict standards of quality and safety to provide the public with acceptable products. Food analysis techniques play a crucial role in holding these companies accountable so that they provide the delicious, quality products they claim to sell. Because of its accuracy and precision, chromatography has become a staple in the food testing sector.
Unlike previous techniques, chromatography can identify specific ingredients that make up various food and beverage products. This is useful in ensuring consistent flavor and safe composition across the board. Chromatography also prevents companies from cutting corners when producing and selling their products.
