Separating Ferrocene and Acetylferrocene by adsorption column chromatography

Acetylferrocene Ferrocene

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

Ferrocene = Yellow Acetylferrocene = orange