What is the difference between planar and column chromatography?

Column chromatography and planar chromatography are types of chromatography both are generally used methods for separating the molecules from complex mixtures.

The key difference between planar and column chromatography is that in planar chromatography the stationary phase is on a flat plate it is either paper/ plate of an alumna or silica, and column chromatography is packed with silica or suitable material which used as the stationary phase. 

Thin-layer chromatography and paper chromatography are examples of planar chromatography, which both follow very similar principles and methods. Gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography example of column chromatography, they work on parallel principle.

Here are some points of difference between planar and column chromatography.

• The mobile phase of planar chromatography is run against gravity.
• The mobile phase of column chromatography is run under gravity.
• Planar chromatography requires a more polar mobile phase compared to the column chromatography.
• Column chromatography requires a less polar mobile phase compared to the planar chromatography.
• Planar chromatography rapidly separates the analytes.
• Column chromatography takes time to separate the analytes.
• In planar chromatography the stationary phase is short.
• In column chromatography the stationary phase is long.
• Planar chromatography requires a low amount of solvents and samples.
• Column chromatography requires a high amount of solvents and samples.
• For analytical purposes, the planar chromatography is used.
• For preparatory purposes, the column chromatography is used.

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