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Review Article

Flash Chromatography: Area & Applications

Ayare P*, Khanvilkar V, Chalak N
Department of Quality Assurance,
Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
[email protected]

ABSTRACT
Most of the sophisticated analytical techniques like NMR, MS and FT-IR need sample in the extreme
pure form which is usually achieved by Preparative column chromatography but it is time consuming.
From past few decades, technique called as Flash chromatography is developed which is a modification
of Preparative column chromatography. This is an air pressure driven technique comprising of medium
and short column chromatography, optimised for rapid separation of organic compounds. Modern flash
chromatographic system consists of pre-packed plastic cartridges wherein solvent is pumped through
the cartridges to achieve separation. These systems are also linked with detectors and fraction collectors
which can even be automated. It is a simple, fast and economic approach to preparative liquid
chromatography for purification of chemical species. This review highlights the principle involved,
instrumentation, general procedure and advancement in Flash chromatography along with its
applications.

Keywords: Chromatography, Flash Chromatography, Principle, Column Selection

INTRODUCTION Flash chromatography.[1] In traditional column

All chromatographic methods –with the chromatography a sample to be purified is
exception of TLC- use columns for the placed on the top of a column containing some
separation process. Column chromatography solid support, often silica gel. The rest of the
has found its place in many laboratories for column is then filled with a solvent (or mixture
preparative purposes as well as for reaction of solvents) which then runs through the solid
control in organic synthesis. The importance of supportunder the force of gravity. The various
column chromatography is mainly due to components to be separated travel through the
following factors: column at different rates and then can be
Simple packing procedure. collected separately as they emerge from the
Low operating pressure. bottom of the column. Unfortunately, the rate
Low expense for instrumentation. at which the solvent percolates through the
column is slow. In flash chromatography
Column chromatography is separated into two however air pressure is used to speed up the
categories, depending on how the solvent flows flow of solvent, dramatically decreasing the
down the column. If the solvent is allowed to time needed to purify the sample, therefore
flow down the column by gravity, or making the column and running the separation
percolation, it is called Gravity column could take less than 10-15 minutes.[2]
chromatography. If the solvent is forced down Flash chromatography is basically an air
the column by positive air pressure, it is called pressure driven hybrid of medium pressure and
How to cite this article: P Ayare, V Khanvilkar, N Chalak; Flash Chromatography: Area & Applications;
PharmaTutor; 2014; 2(5); 89-103

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shorter column chromatography which has compressed air) rapidly pushed through a short
been optimized for particularly rapid glass column. The glass column is packed with
separation. Flash chromatography is a an adsorbent of defined particle size with large
technique used to separate mixtures of inner diameter. The most used stationary phase
molecules into their individual constituents, is silica gel 40 – 63 μm, but obviously packing
[1]
frequently used in the drug discovery process. with other particle sizes can be used as well.
Particles smaller than 25 μm should only be
Flash chromatography, also known as medium used with very low viscosity mobile phases,
pressure chromatography, was popularized because otherwisethe flow rate would be very
several years ago by Clark Still of Columbia low. Normally gel beds are about 15 cm high
University, as an alternative to slow and often with working pressures of 1.5 – 2.0 bars.
inefficient gravity-fed chromatography. Flash Originally only unmodified silica was used as the
chromatography differs from the conventional stationary phase, so that only normal phase
technique in two ways: chromatography was possible. In the meantime,
1.Slightly smaller silica gel particles (250-400 however, and parallel to HPLC, reversed phase
mesh) are used materials are used more frequently in flash
2. Due to restricted flow of solvent caused by chromatography.[3]
the small gel particles, pressurized gas (10-15
psi) is used to drive the solvent through the THEORY
column of stationary phase. Chromatography exploits the differences in
partitioning behaviour between a mobile phase
The net result is a rapid (“over in a flash”) and and a stationary phase to separate the
[3]
high resolution chromatography. components in a mixture. Compounds of the
Automated flash chromatography systems mixture interact with the stationary phase
include components normally found on more based on charge, relative solubility or
expensive HPLC systems such as a gradient adsorption. The retention is a measure of the
pump, sample injection ports, a UV detector speed at which a substance moves in a
and a fraction collector to collect the eluent. chromatographic system. In a continuous
Typically these automated systems separate development system like HPLC or GC where the
samples from a few milligrams up to an compounds are eluted with the eluents, the
industrial kg scale and offer much cheaper and retention is usually measured as the retention
quicker solution to doing multiple injections on time (rt), the time between the injection and
prep-HPLC system.The software controlling an detection. In un-interrupted development
automated system coordinate the components, system like TLC, the retention is measured as
allow a user to only collect the factions that the retention factor (Rf), the run length of the
contain their target compound and help the compound divided by the run length of the
user to find the resulting purified material eluent front. Rf = Distance travelled by the
within the fraction collector. The software also solvent front. [4]
saves the resulting chromatograph from the
process for archival and/or later recall VARIOUS COMPONENT OF FLASH
purposes.[4] CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM SORBENT
SELECTION
PRINCIPLE OF FLASH CHROMATOGRAPHY The basic prerequisite for successful
The principle is that the eluent which is a liquid, separations is the choice of the proper
under gas pressure (normally nitrogen or adsorbent. The most important stationary

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phase in column chromatography is silica. Silica The properties of commonly used flash
gel (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) are two solvents:
adsorbents commonly used by the organic -The compound of interest should have a TLC Rf
chemist for column chromatography. These of ≈0.15 to 0.20 in the solvent system you
adsorbents are sold in different mesh sizes, as choose.
indicated by a number on the bottle label: - Binary (two component) solvent systems with
“silica gel 60” or “silica gel 230-400” is a couple one solvent having a higher polarity than the
examples. This number refers to the mesh of other are usually best since they allow for easy
the sieve used to size the silica, specifically, the adjustment of the average polarity of the
number of holes in the mesh or sieve through eluent.
which the crude silica particle mixture is passed - The ratio of solvents determines the polarity
in the manufacturing process. Adsorbent of the solvent system, and hence the rates of
particle size affects how the solvent flows elution of the compounds to be separated.
through the column. Smaller particles (higher - Higher polarity of solvent increases rate of
mesh values) are used for flash elution for all compounds.
chromatography; larger particles (lower mesh - If your Rf is a≈0.2, you will need a volume of
values) are used for gravity chromatography. solvent ≈5X the volume of the dry silica gel in
For example, 70-230 silica gels are used for order to run your column.[4]
gravity columns and 230-400 mesh for flash
columns.The amount of silica gel depends on Solvent Systems:
the Rf difference of the compounds to be Flash column chromatography is usually carried
separated, and on the amount of sample. For n out with a mixture of two solvents, with a polar
grams of sample, you should use 30 to 100 n and a nonpolar component. Occasionally, just
grams of silica gel. For easier separations, ratios one solvent can be use. The only appropriate
closer to 30: 1 are effective, for difficult one component solvent systems (listed from
separations, more silica gel is often required. the least polar to the most polar):
However, by using more silica gel, the length of 1.Hydrocarbons: pentane, petroleum ether,
time required for thechromatography is hexanes.
extended. The density of powdered silica gel is 2. Ether and dichloromethane (very similar
about 0.75 g per mL.[1] [2] polarity)
3. Ethyl acetate.
These are some adsorbents which are mainly
used in flash chromatography:- The most common two-component solvent
Silica: Slightly acidic medium. Best for ordinary systems (listed from the least polar to the most
compounds, good separation is achieved. polar):
Florisil: Mild, neutral medium. 200 mesh can be 4. Ether/Petroleum Ether, Ether/Hexane, and
effective for easy separations. Less than 200 Ether/Pentane: Choice of hydrocarbon
mesh best for purification by filtration. Some component depends upon availability and
compounds stick on florisil, test first. requirements for boiling range. Pentane is
Alumina: Basic or neutral medium. Can be expensive and low-boiling, petroleum ether can
effective for easy separations, and purification be low-boiling, and hexane is readily available.
of amines. 5. Ethyl Acetate/Hexane: The standard, good
Reverse phase silica: The most polar forordinary compounds and best for
compounds elute fastest, the most nonpolar difficultseparations.
slowest.[5]

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6. Methanol/Dichloromethane: For 9.For acidic compounds, a small amount of
polarcompounds. aceticacid is sometimes useful. In these cases,
7. 10 % Ammonia in Methanol the acetic acid can often be safely rotavaped
Solution/Dichloromethane: Sometimes moves away by adding portions of toluene and
stubborn amines off the baseline. concentrating to a few mL volumes and
8.For basic (i.e. nitrogen containing) repeating this several times. As acetic acid boils
compounds, it is sometimes useful or necessary at a lower bp than toluene, this will remove the
to add a small amount of triethylamine or acid without exposing the neat compound to
pyridine to the solvent mixture (about 0.1%). it.[1] [5]

Table No.1 :-THE PROPERTIES OF COMMONLY USED FLASH SOLVENTS[2]

Solvent Densit Elution Solvent Boiling UV Cut- TLV

y Strength Group Point (°C) off (nm) (ppm)
(g/ml)
n-Hexane 0.66 0.01 1 69 195 100
2 2 4- 0.69 0.02 1 99 210 300
Trimethylpentan
e
Cyclohexane 0.77 0.03 1 81 200 100
1 1 2- 1.48 0.31 8 61 245 50
Trichloromethan
e
Toluene 0.87 0.22 7 110 285 100
Dichloromethane 1.33 0.30 5 40 232 100
Ethyl Acetate 0.90 0.45 6 77 256 400
Methyl-t-butyl 0.74 0.48 2 55 210 40
ether
Acetone 0.79 0.53 6 56 330 750
Tetrahydrofuran 0.89 0.35 4 66 212 200
Acetonitrile 0.78 0.50 6 82 190 40
Isopropanol 0.79 0.60 3 82 205 400
Ethanol 0.79 0.88 3 78 210 1000
Methanol 0.79 0.70 3 65 205 200
Water 1.00 0.073 8 100 180 -

Column Selection
Select a column that is 10, 20, 40 mm ID based upon preparative requirements. Indeed, Professor Still et
al offered this selection given in table below. Single Step Flash Columns (patented) represent an
innovative step forward in chromatography. Flash Chromatography is a quick and inexpensive technique
for the purification of organic compounds. Thomson flash columns come in a wide variety of sizes
ranging from 4g to 300g silica-based for easy scalability of synthetic reactions. Thomson also offers other
packing material like Amine and C18 flash columns which enable the end-user to utilize these flash
columns for a broad range of reactions.[6]

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Table no.2 :-TYPICAL VOLUME OF ELUANT REQUIRED FOR PACKING AND ELUTION [2]

Column Volume of eluent* Sample Load (mg) Fraction Size

Diameter (ml) (ml)
(mm) Rf> 0.2 Rf>0.1
10 100 100 40 5
20 200 400 160 10
30 400 900 360 20
40 600 1600 600 30
50 1000 2500 1000 50

* Typical Volume required for equilibrium of the column and elution.

Typical Data of Silica gel Column Grade Adsorbents.[7]

- Iron Content : <0.02%
-Chloride Content : <0.10%
-Loss on Drying : <3%
-pH (10% suspension) : 7±0.5
- Surface Area : 400–600 m2/gm.

Instrumentation of Flash Chromatography[9][10]

Flash chromatography General consist of - Vacuum Pump/peristaltic Pump.

following parts 2. Sample Injection Systems.
1.Pump Systems. 3.Glass Columns, Filling Sets & Column Valves.
- Pump Controller. 4.Precolumns.

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5.Fraction Collector. cartridges The Control Unit C-620 is included in
6. Detectors and Chart Recorders. the Sepacore Control package.
7.Computerize LCD Display.
Type of pump
Pump Systems : Pump Module C-601, 10 bar
Pump Controller The Pump Controller C-610 with a Pump
A pressure range up to either 10 bar or 50 bar Module C-601 is used for fast isocratic Flash
gives optimum separation results for a broad separations. No programming is needed. The
range of applications. The pump modules can system can be run by two buttons and one
be controlled by three different units. The knob. Pump Module C-601, 10 bar Silent
Pump Controller C610 (for isocratic separation operating 3-piston Pump Module C-601 for
up to 10 bar), the Pump Manager C615 (for flash chromatography. The pump module
isocratic and gradient separation up to 50 bar) provides a constant, pulse-free flow from 2.5 to
and the Control Unit C620. 250 ml/min and ensures reproducible, fast
separation at a maximum working pressure of
Pump Controller C-610 10 bar/145 psi. For sample sizes of up to 5 g,
The Pump Controller C-610 for one Pump pre-packed PP cartridges can be used for the
Module C-601 is designed for isocratic quick, safe implementation of normal phase
separations. The flow rate can be easily and reversed phase applications.
adjusted by turning a knob and is indicated by a
large illuminated LCD-display. Delivered with a Pump Module C-605, 50 bar
overpressure sensor for maximum safety. The Pump Manager C-615 with a Pump Module
C-601/C-605 is used for isocratic Flash
Pump Manager C-615 separations. This combination allows
The Pump Manager C-615 is designed for both exploration into the features of the Pump
isocratic and gradient separations. Fast Manager C-615 for solvent selection, timed runs
operation, easy programming and a large and solvent level control. Pump Module C-605,
graphical display allows a quick and easy set up. 50 bar Similar to the Pump Module C-601 but
Running time, solvent consumption and actual with a maximum working pressure of 50
pressure are shown during a separation for bar/725 psi. Using the Pump Module C-605, fast
maximum optimization. The unit has separation with reversed phase and separations
Input/Outputs for 2 solvent valves and level can be performed with sample sizes up to 100
sensors and includes a pressure sensor and g. Ideal for use with glass and plunger columns
mixing chamber. and silica gel particle sizes < 40 μm.

Control Unit C-620 Pump Manager C-615

The Control Unit C-620 in combination with The Pump Manager C-615 with two Pump
Sepacore Control provides precise control of Modules C-601/C-605 for binary solvent
the chromatography system. The following gradients. The efficient solvent mixing under
components can be connected to the Control pressure and the pulsation free solvent flow
Unit C-620: 2 to 4 Pump Modules C-601 or C- eliminate vapour bubbles and result in
605 Up to 2 Fraction Collectors Up to 8 maximum separation performance.
Detectors e. g. UV, RISequential Modules C-623
or C-625 for automatic sequential
chromatography on up to 5 columns or

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Vacuum Pump/peristaltic Pump Injection systems are designed to facilitate
Transfer Solvent from Mobile phase Reservoir column loading with liquids and low solubility
to Flash Pump. oils and solids. Regardless of the nature or
quantity of the material.
Sample Injection Systems

Injection Valve
For the sample injection of 0–5 ml.

Elute Glass Column (on/off). Glass parts with larger volumes 250 ml,
Prep Elute Glass Column for use in combination 500 ml and 1000 ml on demand.
with the Injection Unit for loading dry or barely
soluble samples up to either 18 ml or 53 ml. Columns
Pressure Range of up to 50 bar or 40 bar. Glass Columns
A wide range of columns offer maximum
flexibility for every situation. Depending on the
nature and the quantity of the sample offers a
series of column types which vary in form, size
and performance.

Plastic+Glass Column
Plastic+Glas-coated Glass Columns are available
for larger sample amounts and higher pressure
applications on a high safety level. The columns
are designed for sample amounts from1 – 100 g
and pressures up to 50 bar during preparative
Sample Chamber 100 ml separations. Easy fixation on a support rod by
Sample Chamber 100 ml for use in combination using the corresponding pivoting clamp.
with the Injection Unit for loading sample
volumes of 10 to 100 ml including N2 gas valve Plunger Column C-695

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Robust, chemically resistant and biocompatible collects the separated substances according to
plunger columns are designed for optimum time, volume or peak.
operational performance and safety. Volume
changes in soft gel can be equalized and dead Detectors and Recorders/Software
volume will be avoided. 1 – 100 g and pressures For most applications one of the robust UV/Vis
up to 50 bar during preparative separations. detectors would be sufficient for the systems
Easy fixation on a support rod by using the detection needs. Both detectors are delivered in
corresponding pivoting clamp. An integrated combination with a preparative flow cell. In the
cooling jacket allows separations under absence of adequate UV/Vis absorption, likely
constant conditions at a high quality level. for sugars or polymers, a Differential
Column Length 460 mm. Refractometer (RI Detector) in combination
with a UV/Vis detector is the preferred setup.
Precolumns
Precolumn are minimizing dead volumes and UV Monitor C-630
enhance the life time of the main column by Filter Photometer with four standards built in
trapping contaminants. The small Precolumn, filters at 200 nm, 220 nm, 254 nm and 280 nm.
fits to Glass Columns of inner diameter of ID 15, Delivered with built in Deuterium Lamp and a
26, 36 and 49 mm. The large Precolumn, fits to preparative flow cell.
Glass Columns of ID 70 and 100 mm inner
diameter. UV Photometer C-635
Spectral Photometer with a wavelength range
Filling Sets for Glass Columns between 190 nm and 740 nm.Delivered with
Dry Filling Set built in Deuterium Lamp and a preparative flow
The Dry Filling Set is employed for filling glass cell.
columns with silica gel using compressed gas.
Silica gel in the size range of 25 – 200 μm can be Differential Refractometer
packed with this method. Refractive Index detector mostly used in
combination with a UV/Vis detector for the
Slurry Filling Set analysis of low UV/Vis absorbing
The Slurry Filling Set is used for wet filling and substances.Delivered with a preparative cell.
conditioning of glass columns with silica gel For a maximal flow rate of 100 ml/min..
particles smaller than 25 μm.
Procedure for Microscale Flash Column
Fraction Collector Chromatography
For simple separations a column, pump and Packing the Column
pump controller may be enough. For a greater *Obtain a glass column and make sure that it
level of automation with precision, has either a glass frit or a plug of cotton wool
performance and ease of use the Fraction directly above the stopcock to prevent the silica
Collector can be incorporated into most setups. gel from escaping from the column through the
stopcock.
Fraction Collector C-660 * Next, put a ~1/2 inch layer of clean sand
The intelligent, height-adjustable Fraction above the plug of glass wool. Use only as much
Collector with with dialogue language options as is necessary to obtain a flat surface, with the
for preparative chromatography. The C-660 same diameter as that of the body of the
column. Make sure the surface is flat. Add dry

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silica gel adsorbent, 230-400 mesh usually the of silica gel and scoop it out & then tamps it
jar is labelled "for flash chromatography." One down before scooping more out.[1]
way to fill the column is to invert it into the jar

Another way to fill the column is to pour the gel into the column using a 10 mL beaker. Whichever
method we use to fill the column, we must tamp it down on the bench top to pack the silica gel. We can
also use a pipette bulb to force air into the column and pack the silica gel. When properly packed, the
silica gel fills the column to just below the indent on the pipette. This leaves a space of 4-5 cm on top of
the adsorbent for the addition of solvent. Clamp the filled column securely to a ring stand using a small
3-pronged clamp.

Solvating the Silica Gel Column:

*Next, tap gently and evenly the sides of the column with a piece of rubber tubing to settle the silica gel.

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* Pour a good amount of elution solvent onto the silica gel. Use pressurized gas to force the solvent
through the silica. As we force through a few hundred millilitres, we should see the top part of the silica
become more homogeneous. This is because we are forcing out air that was entrapped in the silica gel.
* Continue to flush solvent through the silica gel until the entire silica plug becomes homogeneous in
appearance. We may have to recycle the solvent coming through the column onto the top of the column
several times before all the silica gel is solvated.[1]

Pre-elute the column

-Add hexanes (or other solvent, as specified by method: wet and dry. Below are
the procedure) to the top of the silica gel. illustrations of both methods of loading.[8]
-The solvent flows slowly down the column; on
the column above, it has flowed down to the Wet Loading Method
point marked by the arrow. In the wet method, the sample to be purified
-Monitor the solvent level, both as it flows (or separated into components) is dissolved in a
through the silica gel and the level at the top. small amount of solvent, such as hexanes,
-When the bottom solvent level is at the acetone, or other solvent. This solution is
bottom of the column, the pre-elution process loaded onto the column. Sometimes the solvent
is completed and the column is ready to load.[8] of choice to load the sample onto the column is
more polar than the eluting solvents. In this
Load the sample onto the silica gel column:- case, if we use the wet method of column
Two different methods are used to load the loading, it is critical that we only use a few
column: the wet method and the dry drops of solvent to load the sample. If we use
too much solvent, the loading solvent will

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interfere with the elution and hence the such cases, the dry method of column loading is
purification or separation of the mixture. In recommended.

Dry Loading Method:

First dissolve the sample to be analysed in the minimum amount of solvent and add about 100 mg of
silica gel. Swirl the mixture until the solvent evaporates and only a dry powder remains. Place the dry
powder on a folded piece of weighing paper and transfer it to the top of the prepared column. Add fresh
eluting solvent to the top now we are ready to begin the elution process.[8]

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Elute the column:

*Add a good part of our elution solvent to the column.
* Apply pressure to force the solvent through the column by pressing on the top of the Pasteur pipette
with a pipette bulb. Only force the solvent to the very top of the silica: do not let the silica go dry. Add
fresh solvent as necessary.
* The pressure should be the minimum necessary to keep a steady stream coming out of the column.
Figure below shows the colored compound as it moves through the column after successive applications
of the pipette bulb process.
* The collection beaker is changed as soon as the colored compound begins to elute. The process is
complicated if the compound is not colored. In such experiments, equal sized fractions are collected
sequentially and carefully labelled for later analysis.[8]

Analyze the fractions: combine like-colored fractions, although TLC

*If the fractions are colored, we can simply before combination is usually advisable.

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* If the fractions are not colored, they are means quicker separations, less solvent usage
analyzed by TLC (usually). Once the composition and greater flexibility.
of each fraction is known, the fractions
containing the desired compound(s) are Column characteristics:
combined.[8] 1. Disposable plastic cartridges –save time and
increase reproducibility
2. Cartridges of different size -easy scale-up
3. Solid sample module and injection valve -
easy sample loading
4. Pressure up to 100 psi - fast separation
5. Narrow particle distribution - Low
backpressure and higher efficiency

Cleaning the Column:

*Flush all the remaining solvent out of the
column using pressurized gas. Flowing air Advanced Detection Techniques for Flash
through the column for ~2 hours will give dry, Chromatography[11]
free flowing silica gel. UV detection is the traditional method used in
* Pour out the contents of the column into the Flash chromatography to monitor and
silica waste container.In most cases, washing fractionate peaks during the purification
the column with water and acetone is sufficient. process. There are few detection options
* If necessary, a small amount of liquid soap can available in Flash chromatography for
be used.When all liquid solvent has been compounds that lack chromophores, and thus
removed from the reservoir, remove the last cannot be detected by UV. These invisible
remnants of solvent by applying a vacuum compounds may not be detected with UV due
(from aspirator) to the bottom of the column. to the absence of UV chromophores, or their
Try to avoid scratching the columns with absorbance may be “lost” in that of the solvents
abrasive brushes or soaps.[1] [5] used in Flash chromatography. In other cases,
the compounds’ absorption spectrum may be
MODERN FLASH CHROMATOGRAPHIC unknown and or detection was at a sub-
TECHNIQUES optimal wavelength. Additionally, the UV
Pre-packed plastic cartridges[15] absorption of the necessary mobile phase may
In the modern Flash Chromatography system, interfere with the λ-max of the compound in
the glass columns are replaced with pre-packed question. In other cases, the absorption
plastic cartridges which are much safer and also spectrum of the compound of interest or co-
more reproducible.Solvent is pumped through eluting impurities may not be known and
the cartridge, which is much quicker and more therefore not detected. These advanced
reproducible. Systems may also be linked with detection techniques allow users to easily
detectors and fraction collectors providing fractionate compounds without the need for
automation.The introduction of gradient pumps follow-up TLC and subsequent staining to

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determine where the purified compound and clicking the target compound on the TLC
eluted. plate, the Rf value of the target compound will
Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (ELSD) be calculated and the optimized
has long been used for High Performance Liquid chromatography method will be developed
Chromatography, but has only recently been automatically. The TLC plate is displayed on the
employed for Flash chromatography. All- screen during run. Compound spots on the TLC
Wavelength Collection allows the collection of plate and the compound peaks both are
compound with unknown absorbance or displayed on the screen. Both the photographic
collection in the presence of interfering solvent image of the TLC plate and the purification are
absorbance.[11] saved as a data file. Click the target compound
and the nearest impurity on the TLC plate, and
[16]
Green Flash Chromatography the maximum sample load for each column will
Green Flash Chromatography is the ultimate be automatically calculated. Thus, enabling the
flash chromatographic technologythat achieves chemists to choose the best suited column for
most efficient sample purification.The sample their sample.
run is always carried out with minimum eluting
volume.It minimizes run time and solvent use Advantages[14]
while achieving a good separation.It is Eco- * Fast and economic methods for the synthesis
friendly. Optimum method will be developed laboratory.
automatically based on the true theory of the * Ideal for the separation of compounds up to
flash chromatography, with the simple input of gram quantities.
the TLC results, which allows easy sample * No expensive equipment required.
purification. * In an ideal way transfers results from TLC to
CLC.
Features of Green Flash Chromatography * Automated changes between normal phase
- Optimal parameters for flow rate, run time, and reversed phase chromatography.
fraction volume, etc. will be calculated and set
automatically upon selecting a column on APPLICATIONS OF FLASH CHROMATOGRAPHY:-
[12] [13]
“Green Flash” software. The default parameters
will be shown in System Setting window. Natural Products/Nutraceuticals Application:
-Software provides the maximum sample load 1.Separation and Isolation of α-Santalol and β-
information for the selected column. Santalol from Sandalwood Extraction
- State-Of-The-Art Software Based On True 2 .Isolation and Purification of Chromophoric
Theory of Chromatography. and Nonchromophoric Compounds in Giant
- Sample Eluting Position and Resolution Can Be Knotweed Rhizome.
Fully Controlled for Systems. 3.Isolation and Purification of Flavonoids from
- Automatic Method Setup for Reverse Phase Ginkgo Biloba Leaves Extract.
Chromatography. 4.Isolation and Purification of Ginsenosides
- Parallel Detection of UV Detector and RI from Red Panax Ginseng Extract.
Detector or ELSD. 5.Isolation and Purification of Catechins from
Green Tea Extract .
FLASH CROMATOGRAPHYWITH TLC IMAGE 6.In Purification of GallaChinensis.
[14]
READER. 7.Purification of Ferulic Acid in
The system is equipped with a built-in UV light RhizomaChuanxiong Extract.
source and a camera. By shooting the TLC plate

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Carbohydrate Application:- 2. In Impurity Isolation During Drug Purification.
1.Purification of Conjugated Quercetin and 3.Mestranol Purification During Chemical
Rutinose. Synthesis.
2. Impurity Isolation of Valproic Acid from 4.In Anti-malarial Drug Purification in Drug
CyclodextrinvDuring Encapsulation. Discovery.
3. Isolation ofAminosugar and Acarbose .
4. Flavanone Glycoside Purification. CONCLUSION
5. Isolation of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics. Purification of drug is an important step in any
branch of research. Preparative
Lipids Application: chromatography is used to separate the
1.Purification of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters components of a mixture for more advanced
(FAMEs). use and is thus a form of purification. Flash
2. Purification of a Mixture of Glycerides, Mono- Chromatography can be alternative to
, Di-, and Tristearin. preparative HPLC as it saves time and solvent.
3. Purification of Sterols. Extrapolation of TLC results on preparative scale
can be achieved by Flash chromatography.
Pharmaceutical/Small Molecules Application : Modern Flash chromatography with disposable
1. Bile Acid Purification During Lead Generation cartridges and advanced detection techniques is
in Drug Discovery. applicable to a wide range of compounds.

↓ REFERENCES
1.Still WC. Kahn M., Mitra A, Flash chromatography, J.Org.Chem. 43(14),1978; 2923-2925.
2.A. B. Roge*, S. N. Firke, R. M. Kawade, S. K. Sarje, and S. M. Vadvalkar,BRIEF REVIEW ON: FLASH
CHROMATOGRAPHY,IJPSR, Vol. 2, Issue 8, 2011, 1930-1937.
3.William CSand Hill DC. General methods for flash chromatography using disposable column. Mol.
Divers, 13(2), 2009, 247-252.
4.HetalChaudhari*, FalguniChaudhari, Madhavi Patel, P.K. Pradhan, U.M. Upadhyay,A REVIEW ON A
FLASH CHROMATOGRAPHY, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Development & Technology,2 (2),
2012, 80-84.
5. chem.rochester.edu/how to flash.html
6. saiadsorbants.com
7. sorbeadindia.com
8. orgchem.colorado.edu.
9. Buchi Preparative Chromatography.
10.Dane Ganesh D*, Raka KC, Honde BS, Bhawal GS, Tajane PJ, REVIEW ON FLASH CHROMATOGRAPHY,
Vol 3, Issue 1, 2013,45-49.
[email protected]
12.Dewick, P.; John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, Medicinal natural products; a biosynthetic approach,
3rd edition ,New Jersey, 2009.
13. discoverysciences.com
14. pretech.nu/products
15. sigmaaldrich.com
16. yamazenusa.com

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