Final answer:
Chromatography is commonly used to separate a desired compound from closely related compounds in structure when working with small amounts of the compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chromatography is commonly used to separate a desired compound from compounds very closely related in structure when working with 10g or less. In chromatography, the mixture is adsorbed on a porous paper and separated as it ascends through the capillaries in the paper.
The components of the mixture separate based on their differential abilities to stay adsorbed in the solid phase and solubilize in the liquid phase. This allows for the selective separation of the desired compound.