Final answer:
The properties of the stationary phase and mobile phase contribute to the separation of compounds in column chromatography.
Step-by-step explanation:
In column chromatography, the properties of the stationary phase and mobile phase contribute to the separation of compounds. The stationary phase refers to the solid or liquid substance that remains fixed in the column, while the mobile phase is the liquid or gas that flows through the column. The separation occurs because different compounds have different affinities to the stationary and mobile phases.
For example, in reverse phase HPLC, the stationary phase is made of silica coated with alkane chains. Compounds that are more hydrophobic (more strongly attracted to the stationary phase) will move more slowly through the column, resulting in their separation from compounds that are less hydrophobic.
Overall, the interaction between the compounds and the stationary and mobile phases determines the separation of compounds in column chromatography.