The knowledge base of chromatography continued to expand throughout the 1990s owing to its many applications to problems of contemporary interest in industry, life and environmental sciences. Organizing this information into a single text for a diverse group of scientists has become increasingly difficult. The present book stemmed from the desire to revise Chromatography Today, written by the same author with Salwa K. Poole, and published in 1991. This title is considered to be one of the definitive texts on chromatography. It was soon realized however, that a simple revision would not provide the desired result of a contemporary picture of the practice of chromatography at the turn of the century. The only workable solution was to start afresh, maintaining the same general philosophy and concept for Chromatography Today where possible, while creating essentially a new book.

The format of the new book is modular, with extensive cross-references to permit rapid location of related material using different separation concepts. Important features are extensive tabulation of essential data for performing separations and an extensive bibliography to the most recent literature.

This title is intended as a suitable text for graduate level courses in the separation sciences and as a self-study guide for professional chromatographers wishing to refresh their background in this rapidly expanding field.

The Essence of Chromatography presents a comprehensive survey of modern chromatography and is an effective replacement for Chromatography Today.

Comprehensive and authoritative coverage of chromatographic techniques
Contains extensive coverage of recent literature on this subject
Ideal text for graduates and suitable for professional chromatographers

"I am happy to report that this volume is even better than the original... In general. the book is an excellent source of information on all aspects of chromatography... It is not simply a revision of Chromatography Today; most chapters have been completely rewritten, and several new topics have been introduced... In summary, I highly recommend this volume." --Journal of the American Chemical Society 2003"The book is a "must" for all libraries. A reference work that will remain authoritative for many years." --LC-GC Europe, May 2003

"Highly Recommended. Graduate students through professionals." --CHOICE, September, 2003

"Quite simply, Colin Poole has again produced a text that is authoritative, comprehensive, informative, and an excellent source as a one-stop reference to the field of separation science." --CHEMISTRY IN AUSTRALIA, May, 2003

"Overall this is a well-planned book, very well written and one that should become the prime standard for anyone entering chromatography or simply wanting to understand a little more about a different area of the subject." --CHROMATOGRAPHIA, 2003

"Colin Poole deserves to be cheered for his excellent work. The Essence of Chromatography contains all the important information that chromatographers - both novices and professionals alike - may need for rapid orientation as well as for an in-depth understanding of the discipline. Therefore, this book ought to be available in all libraries that serve universities and companies that teach, develop, or practice chromatography. I would even recommend that those who are active in the field of chromatography have their own copy on their bookshelves. I am sure that this book is one which will remain in use for a long period of time." --TrAC

Table of Contents:

General concepts in column chromatographyThe column in gas chromatographyInstrumental aspects of gas chromatographyThe column in liquid chromatographyInstrumental aspects of liquid chromatographyThin-layer chromatographySupercritical fluid chromatographyCapillary-Electromigration separation techniquesSpectroscopic detectors for identification and quantificationSeparation of stereoisomersLaboratory-scale preparative chromatography