Hi Yung,

I believe that your researchers are referring to the standard “flash chromatography” used in organi c synthesis labs.

See the following link for a copy of t he technique as originally described by Clark Still of Columbia University (St ill, W.C., Kahn, M., Mitra, A., J. Org. Chem, Vol. 43, No. 14, 1978, p. 2923).

http:/ /siggy.chem.ucla.edu/voh/136/Flash_Chromatography.pdf

Many labs have begun using automated medium pressure flash systems and pre-packed silica gel columns in plastic cartridges (see Teledyne ISCO, Biotage, and Interchim as example manufactur ers of these systems), but the flash column as originally described in 1978 sti ll has significant utility today.

In my experience, 10 psi is about the practical limit for this technique, above which you may be putting signific ant strain on the glass columns.  Sometimes researchers are tempted to put more pressure on the glass to elute the material faster, or if plugs occur in the column.  I would definitely recommend pressure regulators be insta lled in the air lines.

Steve

De ar DCHAS group,

 

I was wondering if anyone had an idea or can direct me to literature on “Fl ash chromatography” whereby air is directed the solvent column to speed u p its elution of the compound wanted. One of our researchers had gotten a cut from the glass column breaking and cutting him on the arm.

Ag ain, when asked, he said: everybody uses this technique! Being an old analytical chemist, I did not remember this method. However, an organic professor had informed me that this method is also called “Flash chromatographyR 21; and recommended the air pressure to be no more than 20PSIG and to wrap the column in plastic tapes to protect from breakage! . The lab in question use air spigots on lab benches which runs more than 20PSI if fully opened.

An y thoughts or comments you all have are welcome. Thank you in advance and enjoy your summer.   

Yung Morgan, MsPH
Laboratory Safety
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