how choose a flash chromatography column?

[lotusx06]

Hello,

I would like to buy a column to realise flash chromatography. I know what kind of material (silica), but not the lengh and the diameter. I think that the weighing of sample determine this, but I don't find this information through all my catalogue...

Thanks.

[danko]

Hi Lotusx06,

The answer to your question is actually quite simple: Scale up!

More detail follows:

1. Achieve the desired separation on an analytical column.

2. Determine the load-ability limit on that same column, by loading increasing amounts, until you observe considerable chromatography deterioration.

3. Do some calculations – especially in the context of how much stuff you want to purify (at the time/per batch)

4. Contact the column manufacturer and ask for the column format you determined you needed from the calculation work, or something similar.

5. And you’re in business.

Best Regards

[Bruce Hamilton]

Teledyne Isco offer a free 50 page booklet " Effective Organic Compound Purification " which covers most aspects of flash chromatography. It may be available as a download from their site. Also, the Biotage catalogue has a useful section on flash column optimisation. I suspect most reputable companies that supply flash silica ( eg Merck ) also supply useful free introductory booklets.

I suggest obtaining some of the free information from other suppliers if your supplier is miserable with information. You could also consider changing suppliers to an alternative firm that offers superior technical support.

Bruce Hamilton