Isolation by Low-Pressure Column Chromatography

In the 90 yr since the discovery of chromatography, tremendous advances have been realized. It is not the scope of this chapter to review the history or theory of liquid chromatography. The reference section lists a number of good books to that effect (1 –6 ). The goal of this chapter is to illustrate the technique of liquid chromatography as it applies to the isolation of natural products. A brief review of the theoretical basis for the various applicable separation mechanisms and column packings will be presented, followed by practical recommendations and examples of natural products isolations.