Mobile Phase

From TheLiquidPhase

The Mobile Phase carries the analytes through the chromatographic apparatus. In most cases, the mobile phase is a liquid. A notable exception is in gas chromatography, wherein the mobile phase is a gas. As a compound is applied to the Column, it equilibrates between the stationary phase and the mobile phase as it passes through the column. Compounds with more affinity for the stationary phase require more time to elute from the column. Further, compounds with greater affinity for the mobile phase elute faster.

In Countercurrent Chromatography both the mobile phase and the stationary phase are liquids.