1. Separating Ferrocene and Acetylferrocene by adsorption column chromatography

2. Acetylferrocene
Ferrocene

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Polarity of eluents
In some cases two eluents maybe used, the eluent with the lowest polarity is used first

8. Ferrocene = Yellow
Acetylferrocene = orange