Partition Chromatography in Paper Chromatography

Paper chromatography is a type of partition chromatography used to separate and analyze different components of a mixture. It is a simple and cost-effective technique that involves using a strip of filter paper as a stationary phase and a solvent as a mobile phase.

Stationary Phase

The stationary phase in paper chromatography is the filter paper strip. The filter paper is made of cellulose fibers, which are polar molecules that can form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules. This makes the filter paper a good adsorbent for polar molecules.

Mobile Phase

The mobile phase in paper chromatography is the solvent. The solvent is chosen based on the polarity of the compounds being separated. The solvent moves up the filter paper strip due to capillary action, carrying the compounds with it.

Principle

In partition chromatography, the stationary phase and the mobile phase are immiscible liquids. The separation of components occurs due to the differential partitioning of the compounds between the two phases. In paper chromatography, the mobile phase is a liquid, and the stationary phase is a solid. However, the mechanism of separation is the same.

In paper chromatography, the compounds in the mixture are partitioned between the filter paper and the solvent. The compounds that are more soluble in the solvent move up the paper strip faster than the compounds that are more soluble in the filter paper. This results in the separation of the components of the mixture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, paper chromatography is an example of partition chromatography. It involves using a filter paper strip as a stationary phase and a solvent as a mobile phase. The separation of components occurs due to the differential partitioning of the compounds between the filter paper and the solvent. Paper chromatography is a cost-effective and easy-to-use technique for separating and analyzing different components of a mixture.