Question
Question: Two substances when separated on the basis of partition coefficient between two liquid phases, the t...
Two substances when separated on the basis of partition coefficient between two liquid phases, the technique is known as ________.
A.Column chromatography
B.Paper chromatography
C.GLC
D.TLC
Solution
To answer this question, you must recall the methods used to separate two substances. Partition coefficient is the ratio of concentrations of a substance or their relative solubility in a mixture of two immiscible liquids at equilibrium.
Complete step by step answer:
We know that the partition coefficient can be written as the comparison of the solubilities of the solute in the two liquids.
Column chromatography is a method which is used to isolate a single compound from a mixture. It separates the substances on the basis of their differential adsorptions on the adsorbent. Different compounds move at different rates through the column.
Paper chromatography is a method which is used to separate colored substances. It separates two substances on the basis of their partition coefficients.
GLC (Gas liquid chromatography) as the name suggests is used to separate compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition.
TLC (Thin layer chromatography) is a simpler and faster version of paper chromatography.
We can conclude that paper chromatography is based on the concept of differential partitioning of constituents of a mixture.
Thus, the correct answer is B.
Note:
Chromatography has various applications. It is used for the separation and identification of various organic compounds namely, amino acids, tannins, carbohydrates, alkaloids and glycosides.
It is a very effective method and the substance separated is completely pure. Thus, it is used industrially to purify chemicals, separate chiral compounds, to test trace quantities of substances and for the quality control of products.