Chromatotron

______THE CHROMATOTRON AND HOW IT WORKS
INTRODUCTION
The Chromatotron is a preparative, centrifugally accelerated, radial, thin- layer
chromatograph. The apparently simple construction hides a wealth of novel
design details that ensure good resolution and ease of operation. The parts of
the Chromatotron are shown on pages 2 and 3.
Chromatography is performed in a thin layer of sorbent A on a rotor B. The
motor F drives the rotor at a constant speed by a shaft passing through a hole
in the center of the main vessel D.
Solutions of samples to be separated are delivered to the rotor via the inlet I
and wick J. Elution by solvent forms concentric bands of separated
substances which leave the edge of the rotor together with solvent. Channel E
collects the eluate and brings it to the output tube G.
Teflon lid C is transparent to UV light, allowing detection of UV absorbing
bands. Eight retaining clips H hold the Teflon lid on the main vessel.
A pump (not supplied) can be used to recycle the output to the input or to
connect Chromatotrons in series. Multiple development can be performed.
The Chromatotron was designed for preparative separations on silica gel and
alumina. It is not useful for chromatography requiring cellulose or reversed
phase sorbents.
1