In analytical chemistry, HPLC stands for what full form used to describe modern high-resolution liquid chromatography?

Introduction / Context:
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a cornerstone separation technique in pharmaceutical analysis, biochemistry, food testing, and environmental monitoring. The question checks whether you know the correct expansion of the acronym and, by extension, that HPLC denotes an instrumented, high-pressure, high-resolution form of liquid chromatography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• HPLC uses high-pressure pumps, a packed column, a controlled mobile phase, and sensitive detectors.
• Historically, some sources used “high-pressure” early on; the standardized modern term is “high-performance.”
• The context is routine analytical chemistry terminology.

Concept / Approach:
The accepted, formal name emphasizes performance—resolution, speed, sensitivity—not merely the pressure used. While high pressure is indeed involved (typically 100–400 bar for conventional HPLC and higher for UHPLC), the field recognized that performance captures the broader advantage: small particle columns, precise gradients, and superior reproducibility.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the most widely accepted expansion used in academic texts and instrument manuals.Acknowledge the historical “high-pressure” phrasing but prioritize the standardized term.Select the option that reflects current consensus usage in laboratories and textbooks.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check any modern chromatography textbook or chromatography system software splash screen; “High Performance Liquid Chromatography” appears universally. UHPLC (ultra-high-performance) further underlines the performance-centric nomenclature.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• High Pressure Liquid Chromatography: historic/colloquial, but not the preferred standard term.
• Both (a) and (b): implies equivalence today; current best practice prefers “performance.”
• Highly Placed Liquid Chromatography: not a recognized term.

Common Pitfalls:
Believing pressure alone defines HPLC; in reality, column technology, particle size, and detector performance are equally important.

Final Answer:
High Performance Liquid Chromatography