Spectroscopy and chromatography

Medium to high molecular mass organic compounds

Low molecular mass organic compunds

Most metals eg. Cu, Fe, Zn

Low molecular mass organic molecules

Advantage: High sensitivity and precision; small sample size; readily automated

Disadvantages: Moderately expensive instrument; trained technician to operate

Advantage: High sensitivity and precision; small sample size; readily automated

Disadvantages: Moderately expensive instrument; trained technician to operate

Advantages: High sensitivity and precision; easily automated

Disadvantages: Moderately expensive; trained technician needed

Advantages: Relatively simple to operate

Disadvantages: not suitable for very low concentrations

Components of a structure is separated based on their adsorption chracteristics

• In chromatography, there is a stationary phase which is the solid that the components adsorb to and desorb from. This in the column in which the components travel through. 
• To aid it move through the column, there is a mobile phase, which is what carries and pushes the components along the stationary phase.

• The analyte is vapourised by placing it in a flame and a wavelength specifically able to have enough energy to excite electrons from the lower energy level to the higher energy level is passed through the analyte
• The analyte absorbs some of the radiation. The light beam is then passed through a monochromator to select the light of chosen wavelength and its intensity is measured by a detector

• A specific wavelength that the substance will absorb is used and passed through the analyte and the amount that passes through is measured by a detector
• When a substance absorbs visible light, it appears coloured. This is the complementary colour
• Mainly used for determining concentrations