Ion Exchange Chromatography

 Ion-exchange chromatography : Ion exchange chromatography is the process In which separation of molecules is carried out by on the basis of their electrical charges. For this purpose Ion-exchange resins, cation exchangers and anion exchangers are employed. In this method of separation an anion exchanger (R+A) donates its anion (A) with another anion (B) in solution

R+A+ B ⇌R+B+ A

Likewise, a cation exchanger (H+R) donates its cation (H+) with another cation (C+) in solution.

H+R + C⇌ C+R + H

Therefore, ions in solution are reversibly replaced by ion exchange resins in ion exchange chromatography. This depends on their binding abilities of ions

bearing positive or negative charges are highly pH dependent, since the net charge on the surface of molecules varies with

pH. This principle is helpful in the ion-exchange chromatography for the separation of molecules.

ion-exchange chromatography

Conveniently mixture of proteins or amino acids can be separated by ion exchange chromatography.