Question

In comparing partition chromatography with adsorption chromatography, how does the solute interact with the mobile and stationary phases in each case?

Answer 1

In adsorption chromatography , mobile phase is liquid or gas and stationary phase is solid. Mobile phase is less polar than stationary phase .As, polar like polar, so solutes get adsorbed to the stationary phase. More polar solutes binds tightly to the stationary phase and elute later.

On the other hand , in partition chromatography both stationary and mobile phase are liquids. Molecules get dispersed into either phase preferentially. polar molecules get partitioned into polar phase and non polar into non polar phase.

Separation is based on relative solubility of the solute particles between two liquid phase.

partition chromatography is only applicable to liquid- liquid or liquid- gas environment.