Elution

Definition

Elution in the context of organic chemistry and specifically in analyzing amino acids in peptides, is the process of extracting one material from another by washing with a solvent. It is a critical step in separating and identifying the components of peptides during amino acid analysis.

Related terms

Chromatography:

A technique used for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition.

Amino Acids:

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of a basic amino group, an acidic carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.

Peptides:

Short chains of amino acid monomers linked by peptide (amide) bonds