Ion-exchange chromatography separates molecules based on their charge through electrostatic interactions with an immobile matrix containing charged functional groups. It is utilized for applications such as deionization of water, purification of solutions, and separation of biomolecules and organic compounds. The technique is essential in clinical diagnostics and biochemical analysis for obtaining pure compounds.

4. PRINCIPLE:
Ion-exchange chromatography separates molecules
based on their respective charged groups.
Ion-exchange chromatography
retains analyte molecules on the column based
on coulombic (ionic) interactions. The ion exchange
chromatography matrix consists of positively and
negatively charged ions.
Essentially, molecules undergo electrostatic
interactions with opposite charges on the stationary
phase matrix.
The stationary phase consists of an immobile matrix
that contains charged ionizable functional groups or
ligands.
The stationary phase surface displays ionic functional
groups that interact with analyte ions of opposite
charge..

6. INSTRUMENTATION

16. Applications of ion exchange
chromatography.
Ion exchange chromatography is prominently
used as preparatory chromatography to isolate the
desired compound from the mixture. Hence the
applications are meant to obtain pure compounds.
a) For deionization and softening of
water: Hard water is one of the common
problems in most parts of the world. This is
especially seen in tube or groundwater. Due to the
decline in groundwater levels, the problem is
getting severe. So, the hard water is made soft for
drinking purposes. The calcium and other salts
present in water are removed by this method.
.

17. b) Purification of a solution to keep them ion free.
c) In biochemistry for separation of drugs and
metabolites from blood, urine, etc. This finds
application clinical diagnosis.
d) Used for separation of organic compound mixtures
of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleotides, etc.
e) For purification of enzymes after extracting from the
tissues.