Partition Chromatography

A laboratory method or technique of separation of a mixture in which components are distributed in two phases – mobile phase and stationary phase, is called chromatography. For example, different components of ink can be separated by chromatography. 

The term chromatography was coined by Mikhail Tswett in 1906. While the first use of chromatography for analysis was done in 1952 for fatty acids by James and Martin. 

What is Partition Chromatography? 

Partition chromatography is one of the types of various chromatography techniques. It was discovered through the work of Archer Martin and Richard Laurence Millington Synge in the 1940s. 

The chromatography technique which is based on the partitioning of components of a mixture between stationary and mobile phases is called partition chromatography. It has various types such as paper chromatography, gas – liquid chromatography, liquid -liquid chromatography etc. 

Principle of Chromatography

Chromatography is based on the fact that different components of a mixture have different affinity towards the stationary phase. Components get physically separated by distributing between stationary phase and mobile phase. The forces by which components get adsorbed by the stationary phase are weak forces and nonionic forces such as hydrogen bonds or Van der waals forces. 

The various components of a mixture travel at different speeds and get separated. The separation is based on differential partitioning between the mobile and stationary phases. Component’s different partitioning coefficients result in differential retention on the stationary phase which results in their separation on stationary phase. 

Partition Chromatography Principle 

Partition chromatography is based on differential partitioning of components of a sample mixture between two phases – stationary phase and mobile phase. Most commonly it is used in paper chromatography which is a type of partition chromatography. In paper chromatography a paper is used which is called chromatography paper, and works as a stationary phase. This paper is made up of cellulose which is a polar substance. Mobile phase is liquid which runs on chromatography paper. 

Paper Chromatography Diagram - A type of Partition Chromatography

Types of Partition Chromatography 

1. Liquid - Liquid Chromatography – In this type of partition chromatography, mobile and stationary both phases are taken in liquid state. Although the liquid stationary phase is coated or supported by solid support. It has following sub-types –

• Paper Chromatography – In this type of liquid-liquid chromatography, liquid stationary phase is taken on chromatography paper made up of cellulose which is a polar substance. Water molecules get trapped on it. 

• Column Chromatography – In this type of liquid-liquid chromatography, liquid stationary phase is taken on silica gel or alumina cellulose powder. 

• Thin layer Chromatography – In this type of Liquid -Liquid chromatography, a very thin layer of stationary phase is taken that’s why it is known as thin layer chromatography. It is used to separate non-volatile mixtures.

2. Gas – Liquid Chromatography – In this type of partition chromatography, mobile phase is an unreactive gas and stationary phase is non-volatile liquid held on inert solid support. It is also known as vapor-phase chromatography or Gas-liquid partition chromatography (GLPC). 

Applications of Partition Chromatography 

There are numerous applications of partition chromatography. We are stating its applications according to its various types –

• Paper Chromatography – Few Applications of Paper Chromatography are mentioned below –

• It is a qualitative method of identifying components of a sample mixture. 

• It is used in identification of drugs and impurities. 

• It is used in forensic studies. 

• It is used in analytical chemistry to introduce chromatography to students. 

• Used in identification of biomolecules, organic and inorganic compounds. 

• It is a low cost and rapid method of separation. 

• Column Chromatography - Few Applications of Column Chromatography are mentioned below –

• It is also used in separation of components of a given sample. 

• It is mainly used in purification processes. 

• It is used in separation of diastereomers. 

• It is used in the separation of alkaloids. 

• It is used in isolation and purification of vitamins and hormones. 

• It is used in examination of vegetable oil and pharmaceutical preparations. 

• Thin Layer Chromatography - Few Applications of Thin Layer Chromatography are mentioned below –

• Reactions of organic compounds are monitored by TLC.

• TLC is used in separation of inorganic ions.

• It is used in separation of amino acids. 

• It is used in separation of vitamin E and A. 

• It is used in quantitative analysis. 

• It is used in identification of compounds like acids, alcohols, proteins, alkaloids and amines. 

This was brief about partition chromatography, if you want to get detailed notes of chromatography and its various types then register yourself on Vedantu or download Vedantu app for Class 6-10, IITJEE and NEET.

Partition Chromatography and How to study it?

The topics of chromatography, partition chromatography, principle, types and their applications were made easier to understand through the above study content shared. 

However, preparing for such topics during the examination days might be a difficult task for many. Hence, here's presenting you some of the useful tips that you shall be following, as students to be able to scale heights. 

• Prepare your calendar 

Students are advised to prepare their calendars. By calendars, it doesn't only mean that you shall be making a timetable for yourself, but it also means that you should be able to stick to it at all times. Just as the dates of the calendar cannot be changed according to your comfort, make sure that you don't change things from your schedule based on your convenience. This way you'll be able to follow things religiously and it would take you closer to your dreams. Another important point that you'll be remembering is that you shouldn't be letting anything stop you from taking action. 

• Prioritise Your Tasks

This is one of the most effective ways to conquer your weak points and complete your targets. Students shall be able to prioritise their tasks and plan their later actions accordingly. One of the best ways to be able to do it is by creating deadlines even for the ones that don't have one. You shall be able to develop a sense of urgency for the same. With this mindset, it will become easier for you to approach your problems, even the biggest ones and that's where you begin winning. Although it is a good idea to prepare your schedule by keeping your strengths and weaknesses in mind, if you decide to address the difficult and most important tasks first, you're almost there. 

• Understand the questions 

Students shall understand that as much as it is important to be able to answer the questions, it is also important to understand what the question is asking for. Unnecessarily flooding too much information into an answer won't fetch you results but providing only relevant information surely will. Hence, students are advised to be as curious as possible. Because when you tend to ask more questions, you learn and understand better and that's where success begins. 

• Prepare for answering 

Students shall make it a habit of thinking before answering. After reading a particular question, do not just jump onto answering it, rather, spend a little time organising the flow of your thoughts and information. This will help you to deliver better quality answers that are more concise and don't have any unimportant information. The best way to do this is by writing some key points or keywords that are the most important parts of an answer. You might also consider speaking the answer to yourself. It might look like an unnecessary waste of time but the results would surely amaze you. 

• Write and learn 

Since this is one of the most active forms of learning, it helps you get engaged in retrieval practice. Some scientific studies suggest that when you write, you learn better. This helps you to monitor whatever you know and have understood. Whenever you're trying to make things stick to your memory, this method of writing and learning works out the best. It also allows you to think intensely about the study material.