What is the process of separating one molecule from another by rinsing it with a solvent called?

The process of separating one molecule from another by rinsing it with a solvent is called elution. Elution typically occurs in chromatography, where a mixture is passed through a medium, and different components interact with the medium to varying degrees. By rinsing with a solvent, the desired molecules can be washed out of the medium, allowing for their separation. This process is critical in various applications, including purification and analysis of biochemical compounds.

Precipitation, on the other hand, involves forming a solid from a liquid solution, often through chemical reactions, and is not about rinsing or washing away a molecule. Filtration refers to separating solids from liquids or gases using a filter, which is a different technique from elution. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration and does not involve rinsing with a solvent for separation purposes. Thus, elution is the most accurate term for the described process.