Question

Which of the following is not done using column chromatography?

(a) The identification of unknown compounds

(b) The determination of homogeneity of chemical substances

(c) Separation of inorganic cations or complexes

(d) Separation of geometric isomers

I had been asked this question during an interview.

This key question is from Chromatography Applications topic in chapter Methods of Purification of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) Separation of inorganic cations or complexes

The explanation is: Separation of inorganic cations or complexes is done using paper chromatography. Column chromatography is a method used to purify individual chemical compounds from mixtures of compounds.