Question

What is the partition chromatography?

Answer 1

Chromatography is a laboratory method used for the separation of a mixture. The components of the mixture are distributed as the mobile phase and stationary phase. This word is coined by Mikhail Tswett.

Complete step by step answer:
Partition chromatography:
A technique that is based on the partitioning of components of a mixture between stationary and mobile phases. It is based on the fact that different components have a different affinity towards the stationary phase. The forces by which components get adsorbed by the stationary phase are weak.
Let’s see the types of Partition chromatography.
Partition chromatography is classified into two types:
- Liquid-liquid chromatography
- Gas-liquid chromatography

Liquid-liquid chromatography
In this type both the phases are taken in the liquid state. This is further classified as:
Paper chromatography: This is the most commonly used chromatography. Chromatography paper is used as a stationary phase. This paper is made up of cellulose. Mobile phase is a liquid that runs on this paper.
Applications of paper chromatography are:
It is used in forensic studies.
It is used in identification of drugs and impurities.

Column chromatography: Silica Gel or Alumina cellulose powder is taken as a stationary phase.
Applications of Column chromatography are:
It is used in the separation of alkaloids.
It is used in isolation and purification of vitamins and hormones.

Thin-layer chromatography: As the name suggests a very thin layer of stationary phase is used. It is used mainly to separate non-volatile mixtures.
Applications of Thin layer chromatography are:
It is used in the separation of amino acids.
It is used in the identification of acids, alcohols.

Gas-liquid chromatography:
In this type, the mobile phase is a nonreactive gas and the stationary phase is a non volatile liquid.

Note: Chromatography has huge importance in industrial applications. It is used to purify materials, test trace amounts of contaminants. You must be clear with the principle and applications of partition chromatography.