What is the purpose of chromatography in drug analysis?

• A. To quantify exact concentrations.
• B. To separate and tentatively identify components of a mixture.
• C. To measure pH.
• D. To amplify DNA.

Answer: (B)

Chromatography separates components of a mixture based on how each substance interacts with a stationary phase versus a mobile phase. In drug analysis this separation lets different drugs and metabolites appear as distinct signals, so you can compare their retention behavior and detector responses to known standards. That comparison allows tentative identification of the substances present. While you can quantify components from peak areas with proper calibration, the primary purpose here is to resolve the mixture into individual components for identification and measurement. Techniques like pH measurement or DNA amplification fall outside this separation-and-identification role.