Among the colligative properties of solution, which one is the best method for the determination of β Solutions and Colligative Properties Chemistry Question
Question
Among the colligative properties of solution, which one is the best method for the determination of molecular masses of proteins and polymers?
π‘ Solution & Explanation
Osmotic pressure measurement is the best method for determining the molecular masses of proteins, polymers, and other macromolecules because: 1. These macromolecules have low solubility, and the osmotic pressure is still measurable at room temperature. 2. The magnitude of osmotic pressure is relatively large and can be measured with high precision compared to other colligative properties (which are extremely small for high molecular weight solutes). 3. Unlike boiling point elevation (which requires heating that may denature proteins) or freezing point depression, osmotic pressure is measured at room temperature.