THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
This page is an introduction to chromatography using thin layer chromatography as an example. Although if you are a beginner you may be more familiar with paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography is equally easy to describe and more straightforward to explain.
Note: I'm taking a simple view of the way that thin layer chromatography works in terms of adsorption (see below) which should be adequate for students doing courses for 16 - 18 year olds. The reality is more complicated and the explanation will vary depending on what sort of solvent or solvent mixture you are using. Some similar problems are discussed on the page about paper chromatography, but I am unwilling to do the same thing on this page which is intended as a fairly gentle introduction to chromatography.