Chapter 8 Preparative Size Dclusion Chromatography

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of preparative size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Preparative SEC is any application of SEC which specifically involves the chromatographic isolation of one or more components from a mixture for purposes of identification, purification, or use in other types of investigations. Preparative SEC techniques may be divided into four categories determined by the scale of the separation or fraction size—preparative–analytical, semi-preparative, standard-preparative, and large-scale preparative. Column size is the primary factor affecting the scale of preparative separations. As the internal diameter of a column is increased, the sample size, injection volume, and solvent flow rate may be increased. For preparative separations it is usually most desirable to operate the system at the highest sample loading and flow rate possible without undue loss of separation efficiency. Preparative SEC applications require large volumes of mobile phase solvents. This may create problems with respect to toxicity and fire. In addition, good solvents for certain materials are often recognized carcinogens and may form hazardous or explosive by-products. When considering an eluent, one is advised to be fully aware of the potential chemical reactions and interactions as well as of the physical properties and solubility characteristics of a solvent candidate.