The adsorbent used in adsorption chromatography is/are
A. silica gel
B. alumina
C. quick lime
D. magnesia
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
A. silica gel
B. alumina
C. quick lime
D. magnesia
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
- B only
- C and D only
- A and B only
- A only
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
The most common polar and acidic support used in adsorption chromatography is silica. The surface silanol groups present on silica effectively adsorb polar compounds, making it particularly well-suited for basic substances. Alumina, being polar and basic, is also widely used as an adsorbent in adsorption chromatography. Together, these make the pair of adsorbents utilized frequently for such purposes.
Approach Solution -2
Adsorption chromatography separates components of a mixture based on their differential adsorption on the surface of a solid adsorbent. The solid phase is the stationary phase, and a liquid or gas acts as the mobile phase. The extent of adsorption depends on the polarity and surface characteristics of both the adsorbent and the solute molecules.
Step 2: Role of the adsorbent
The adsorbent is a solid material with a large surface area, which selectively attracts and holds molecules from the mixture being passed over it. Strongly adsorbed substances move more slowly through the column, while weakly adsorbed substances move faster, leading to separation.
Step 3: Commonly used adsorbents
1. Silica gel (SiO₂·xH₂O): Highly porous, polar in nature, and capable of adsorbing polar molecules. It is one of the most widely used stationary phases in adsorption chromatography.
2. Alumina (Al₂O₃): Another polar adsorbent used extensively for separating organic compounds based on polarity differences.
3. Quick lime (CaO): It is not used in chromatography because it reacts with moisture and has poor adsorption properties for organic molecules.
4. Magnesia (MgO): Although it has some adsorption ability, it is rarely used as a stationary phase because of its limited surface characteristics and reactivity.
Step 4: Conclusion
Only silica gel and alumina are standard and effective adsorbents used in adsorption chromatography. The other two substances (quick lime and magnesia) are not suitable for this purpose.
Final answer
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