Which type of chromatography is most commonly used to separate organic compounds?

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is widely recognized as one of the most commonly used methods for separating organic compounds due to its versatility, efficiency, and ability to handle a wide range of polarities and molecular weights. HPLC operates by passing a liquid sample through a column containing stationary phase particles, allowing for various separation mechanisms based on differences in compound interactions with the stationary phase and the mobile phase.

The ability to finely tune the mobile phase composition, pressure, and temperature contributes to the high resolution and speed at which HPLC can separate complex mixtures. It is particularly effective for analyzing compounds that are temperature-sensitive and cannot be vaporized, such as biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and various organic compounds in solution. The instrumentation can be adapted to different detection methods, further broadening its application in analytical chemistry.

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is useful for quick qualitative analysis and monitoring of reactions but lacks the precision and quantitative capabilities of HPLC. Gas chromatography (GC) is ideal for volatile compounds but cannot accommodate non-volatile or thermally labile substances as easily as HPLC. Column chromatography, while effective for preparative purposes, is generally less efficient and more time-consuming than HPLC for analytical separation. Thus, HPLC stands out as the preferred