Among the standard chromatographic techniques discussed (Column chromatography, Thin layer chromatog — Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis Chemistry Question
Question
Among the standard chromatographic techniques discussed (Column chromatography, Thin layer chromatography, and Paper chromatography), how many exclusively utilize the principle of "adsorption" as the primary separation mechanism rather than "partition"?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Column chromatography and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) primarily depend on the differential adsorption of solutes onto a solid stationary phase (like alumina or silica gel). Paper chromatography, however, relies primarily on the continuous partition of components between a stationary liquid phase (water trapped in cellulose) and a mobile liquid phase. Therefore, exactly 2 of these are adsorption-based.