Question

Which of the following will improve the efficiency of the separation process in liquid chromatography?

• A. Increase in sample size, increase in column diameter
• B. Reduction in sample size, increase in column diameter
• C. Increase in sample size, reduction in column diameter
• D. Reduction in sample size, reduction in column diameter

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding efficiency in liquid chromatography. - The efficiency of a chromatography system depends on column length, particle size, and sample size. - Smaller sample sizes help in reducing band broadening, leading to sharper peaks and better resolution.

Step 2: Effect of column diameter. - Smaller column diameters improve separation efficiency because they increase the interaction between the analyte and the stationary phase.

Step 3: Explanation of incorrect options. - (A) Increase in sample size, increase in column diameter: Incorrect, as larger sample sizes can cause peak broadening, reducing resolution. - (B) Reduction in sample size, increase in column diameter: Incorrect, because increasing column diameter reduces efficiency. - (C) Increase in sample size, reduction in column diameter: Incorrect, as larger sample sizes cause overloading of the column, reducing separation.

Step 4: Selecting the correct option. Since reducing the sample size and column diameter improves resolution and efficiency, the correct answer is (D) Reduction in sample size, reduction in column diameter.