Question #bc7eb
1 Answer
Non-polar and polar components are separated on the stationary phase (paper) based on their affinity for the mobile phase (solvent)
Explanation:
Chromatography can be used to separate polar and non-polar compounds using their retention times in the mobile phase.
In paper chromatography, the stationary phase is the paper, and the mobile phase is the solvent.
The components are placed at one end of the paper, and the end of the paper submerged in solvent, so that the solvent moves along the paper.
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As the solvent moves along the paper, it effectively carries along the components. The component retention time depends on its affinity for the solvent.
If you are using a polar solvent e.g. water, then polar molecules are going to have a greater affinity for that solvent. Thus, they will be retained in the solvent for a longer time and be carried further along the paper than the non-polar component, which has a low affinity for the polar solvent.
If you have a non-polar solvent e.g. benzene, non-polar molecules are going to have a greater affinity for that solvent. Thus, they will be retained in the solvent for a longer time and move further along the paper than the polar component, which has a low affinity for the non-polar solvent.
