Is the mobile phase polar or nonpolar?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the mobile phase in chromatography is characterized by polarity, specifically if it is polar or nonpolar. This is relevant in understanding how different substances interact with the mobile phase during the separation process.
Answer
Non-polar.
The mobile phase is generally non-polar in normal phase chromatography and less polar than the stationary phase.
Answer for screen readers
The mobile phase is generally non-polar in normal phase chromatography and less polar than the stationary phase.
More Information
In normal phase chromatography, the mobile phase is often non-polar to ensure effective separation of compounds based on their polarity. In contrast, reverse phase chromatography uses a polar mobile phase.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume the mobile phase is always non-polar. It depends on whether the chromatography is normal or reverse phase.
Sources
- Mobile phase - Labster Theory - theory.labster.com
- 2.3D: Separation Theory - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- HPLC Separation Modes - Stationary Phase in HPLC | Waters - waters.com
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