Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is a separation technique used in analytical chemistry to separate and analyze components of a mixture. It is a type of chromatography that utilizes a supercritical fluid as the mobile phase instead of a liquid or gas.
In SFC, a supercritical fluid is achieved by subjecting a gas, typically carbon dioxide, to high pressure and temperature. As a result, the fluid attains a state where its density and viscosity are similar to liquids while maintaining the diffusivity of gases. This unique characteristic allows for efficient separation and analysis of various compounds, especially those with low molecular weights and low volatility.
The SFC process involves passing the sample mixture through a column filled with a stationary phase. The supercritical fluid, functioning as the mobile phase, interacts with the stationary phase, leading to the separation of the components based on their physical or chemical properties. The components are then detected and quantified using a detector, such as a UV-visible detector or a mass spectrometer.
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography offers several advantages over traditional chromatographic techniques. It provides faster separation, improved resolution, and increased sample throughput. Additionally, SFC is often considered a greener alternative as it utilizes carbon dioxide, a readily available and environmentally friendly solvent. The technique is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food analysis, and natural products research, for its ability to separate complex mixtures efficiently and accurately.
