Question

Describe a way to manipulate the retention factor of a solute in partition chromatography.

Short answer

The ways to manipulate the retention factor of a solute in partition chromatography are such as changing the polarity index, using more than one solvent, and manipulating the ratio of the solvent.

Step-by-step solution

Given Information

In the partition chromatography, a way to manipulate the retention factor of the solute needs to be described.

Explanation

The partition chromatography is a separation technique of components of the mixture of chemical compound into two liquid phases. This is because of two different partition coefficients. These phases are like stationary phase and liquid phase.

The partition chromatography is a method of separation of components of the chemical compound between two liquid phases mobile and stationary phase. The ratio of distance travelled by solution to the distance travelled by solvent is known as the retention factor (k_B). The separation of the components of the compound can be improved by manipulating the retention factor. The resolution also enhanced by improving the retention factor.

It can be manipulated by changing the polarity index of the solvent, using more than one solvent system in the varied composition, and manipulating the ratio of the solvent.