Chromatography is a laboratory technique used for separating and analyzing mixtures into their individual components. It involves passing a sample mixture through a stationary phase, which can be a liquid or solid material, and a mobile phase, typically a liquid or gas. The different components in the sample interact differently with the stationary and mobile phases, leading to separation based on their different physical and chemical properties. Chromatography is widely used in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, forensics, and environmental science. It is a versatile and powerful technique for identifying and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures.