Chromatography is a technique to separate mixtures of substances into their components on the basis of their molecular structure and molecular composition. This involves a stationary phase (a solid, or a liquid supported on a solid) and a mobile phase (a liquid or a gas). The mobile phase flows through the stationary phase and carries the components of the mixture with it. Sample components that display stronger interactions with the stationary phase will move more slowly through the column than components with weaker interactions. This difference in rates cause the separation of variuos components - See more at: http://laboratoryinfo.com/hplc/#sthash.CJaqYf7J.dpuf