Question

Separation of organic compounds by column chromatography is due to:

• A. Selective absorption
• B. Selective adsorption
• C. Both absorption and adsorption
• D. Solubilities

Answer 1

The correct option is B Selective adsorption

Column chromatography is a technique which is used to separate a single chemical compound from a mixture dissolved in a fluid. it separates substances based on differential adsorption of compounds to the adsorbent as the compounds move through the column at a different rate which allows them to get separated in fractions. Hence separation of organic compounds by column chromatography is due to selective adsorption.