What is the primary use of chromatography?

Chromatography is primarily used to separate and analyze mixtures based on the movement of their components through a stationary phase while being carried by a mobile phase. This technique relies on the different affinities that the various components of the mixture have for the stationary phase and the mobile phase, allowing them to travel at different rates and thus be isolated from one another. As a result, chromatography provides a powerful method for analyzing complex mixtures, such as in chemical analysis, forensic science, and biochemical applications, where identifying and quantifying individual components is essential.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the fundamental purpose of chromatography. Increasing the temperature of reactions pertains to thermodynamics and kinetics, measuring pH relates to acid-base chemistry, and synthesizing new compounds falls under organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms. None of these options describe the fundamental separation and analysis capability provided by chromatography.