Chromatography Service

Chromatography is an analytical technique used to separate, identify, quantify, and purify the components of a mixture, both analytical and preparative. It relies on the distribution of molecules between two phases: a stationary phase, which remains fixed, and a mobile phase, which carries the sample. The interaction between the analyte and both phases determines analyte retention time and thus the separation.

Types of chromatography

Different types of chromatography are distinguished according to the nature of the phases and/or the separation mechanism. Considering the nature of the phases:

• ​Liquid chromatography (LC): employs a liquid mobile phase.
• ​Gas chromatography (GC): uses a gaseous mobile phase, ideal for volatile and thermostable compounds.

Considering the separation mechanism, we would have adsorption, partition, ion exchange, size exclusion and affinity chromatography.

The Chromatography Service of the Institute of Chemical Research performs a broad range of applications using multiple LC and GC instruments coupled to various detectors, as detailed below:

Optical detectors coupled to liquid chromatographs:

• Photodiode Array (​PDA). Measures absorbance in the UV–Visible range for the detection of compounds with chromophores.
• Refractive Index (​RI). Detects changes in refractive index between the mobile phase and the analyte. Universal but not compatible with gradient elution. Ideal for carbohydrates and polymers.
• Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (​ELSD). Measures light scattered by analytes after solvent evaporation. Ideal for non-chromophoric, non-volatile or semi-volatile compounds such as lipids and sugars.

Detectors coupled to gas chromatographs:

• Flame Ionization Detector (​FID). Measures the current generated by oxidation of organic compounds in a hydrogen/air flame. Highly sensitive for hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.
• Thermal Conductivity Detector (​TCD). Measures variation in the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas as the analyte passes through it. It is universal detector, although with lower sensitivity than FID. Ideal for detecting gases such as H₂, N₂, CO y CO₂.
• Mass spectrometer (MS). Separates analytes in the analyzer according to their m/z It enables determination of the molecular weight of an organic compound as well as its structure. When is coupled to a chromatograph, it becomes a very powerful technique for compound characterization, combining the separation power of chromatography with the m/z specificity of mass spectrometry.

High‑performance liquid chromatography equipment

• Two Shimadzu LC‑2030C 3D Plus systems for normal and reverse phase with:

– Autosampler with temperature‑controlled sample carousel

– Quaternary pump rated up to 600 bar.

– Column oven with column‑selection valve.

– Diode array detector. Acquisition range 190 to 800 nm.

• Two Shimadzu preparative LC systems for normal and reverse phase with:

– Autosampler (SIL‑10AP) or manual injection.

– Quaternary pump operating up to 150 mL/min isocratic and 100 mL/min in gradient mode.

– SPD‑M40 Diode array detector. Acquisition range 190 to 800 nm.

– FRC‑10A Fraction collector

The Service has a set of reversed-phase analytical columns with different selectivities and an ELSD-LT II low-temperature evaporative light scattering detector that can be coupled to either of the two high-performance liquid chromatography analytical instruments mentioned above.

Waters e2625 (GPC)

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) separates molecules according to their hydrodynamic size. This technique is essential for polymer and protein analysis, enabling determination of parameters such as average molecular‑weight distributions and the polydispersity index (PDI).

The system includes:

– Autosampler with temperature‑controlled sample carousel.

– Quaternary pump.

– Column oven with temperature control.

– W2414 Refractive‑index detector.

– Waters Styragel HR4 (THF) 5K–600K column.

Gas chromatography equipment:

• GC‑2010 Pro Shimadzu coupled to a GCMS‑QP2010 Plus Shimadzu mass spectrometer with:

– AOC‑20i autosampler.

– Temperature of column oven up to 450 °C.

– Electron impact (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) source.

– Single quadrupole. Mass range from 2 to 1090 amu.

• Shimadzu GC‑2010 Pro (dual) with:

– Dual AOC‑20i autosampler.

– Temperature of column oven up to 450 °C.

– Two FID detectors in parallel.

Two analytical lines can be operated simultaneously.

• Shimadzu GC‑2010 plus coupled to GCMS TQ‑8040 with:

– AOC‑20i autosampler.

– Column oven with maximum working temperature of 450 °C.

– Electron impact (EI) source.

– Triple quadrupole with MS/MS capability. Mass range from 2 to 1090 amu.

• GC 7820A Agilent System with:

– G4513A autosampler.

– Temperature of column oven up to 425 °C.

– Two detectors in parallel: FID and TCD.

• Agilent 7820A GC System with:

– G4513A autosampler.

– Temperature of column oven up to 425 °C.

– Two FID detectors in parallel.

Internal users

• Analyses will be performed by the user, after of training by the Service’s technical staff.
• Before using any instrument, the user must make a reservation in advance through the IIQ internal application ‘Otros equipos’. Analyses cannot be performed if the instrument has not been previously reserved.
• Samples must be processed, filtered, and correctly
• Each user is responsible for checking the vials/bottles of instrument wash solutions before starting the analysis. If necessary, they must be refilled or replaced.
• Modifying critical instrument parameters without authorization is forbidden.
• Each instrument has its own logbook where the user must indicate their name, extension, samples to be analyzed, and any relevant observations or anomalies they consider relevant.
• Any anomalies or incidents must be reported to the technical staff:
• Once the analysis is finished, samples must not be left on the instrument.
• Shutdown the instrument following the established procedure for each system.
• Keep the work area clean and

External users

• Analyses will be carried out by the Service’s technical staff. You can contact them via email
• Samples must be processed, filtered, and perfectly labeled, using the same reference as in the request.
• Analysis results will be delivered by email in pdf
• If the sample return is requested, it must be collected by the user within one month after results delivery. After one month, samples may be destroyed.

Current rates for Scientific and Technical Services

IIQ staff can request the Service by clicking here.

External users may contact with the responsible staff to request an analysis via email: