An instinctive feeling for how chromatography works will be invaluable to the novice.  Although numerous chromatographic software exist, the inner algorithm is rarely transparent.  In contrast Microsoft ExcelTM is universally available and basic algebraic operations are self-evident.  Simple repetition of an equilibration process at each plate (a spreadsheet row) followed by discrete movement of the mobile by a row, easily automated by a �Macro�, readily simulates chromatography and is readily understood by a novice.  Isocratic or linear/multistep gradients are easily simulated.  The versatility of a transparent platform enables the simulation of complex scenarios nonlinear isotherms, active sites, column overloading, on-column analyte degradation, etc.  The 4-bit color gradation of numerical values permits visualization of a band much as Tswett may have originally observed. Whole-column and end-column detection makes one wistful for the former.  Can we get there anytime soon in ion chromatography?Illustrative spreadsheets will be for the asking.

Teaching chromatography with MS Excel™: A wistful X-ray vision into a column

245th National Meeting (2013)

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