A mixture of two compounds, I and II, is separated by column chromatography. The extent of adsorption of I onto the stationary phase is strictly greater than the adsorption of II. If and represent the

Question

A mixture of two compounds, I and II, is separated by column chromatography. The extent of adsorption of I onto the stationary phase is strictly greater than the adsorption of II. If $R_{f(I)}$ and $R_{f(II)}$ represent their respective retardation factors, and $v_I$ and $v_{II}$ represent their respective vertical elution velocities down the column, consider the following four mathematical inequalities: 1. $R_{f(I)} > R_{f(II)}$ 2. $R_{f(I)} < R_{f(II)}$ 3. $v_I > v_{II}$ 4. $v_I < v_{II}$. How many of these four inequalities are factually correct?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 2. Since compound I is adsorbed more strongly than II, it interacts more with the stationary phase and is retained longer. Therefore, it travels slower down the column () and covers less distance relative to the solvent front, resulting in a lower value (). Thus, exactly 2 inequalities (numbers 2 and 4) are correct.

💡 Solution & Explanation

Practice 22,000+ questions like this