Chromatography is based on a physical equilibrium
that results when a solute is transferred between the mobile and a stationary phase.
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
![](slide0007_image013.png)
K =
distribution
coefficient or
partition ratio
K
=
C
S
C
M
Where CS is the molar concentration
of the solute in the
stationary phase and CM is the molar concentration in the mobile phase.
Cross Section of
Equilibrium in a column.
ÒAÓ are adsorbed to the
stationary phase.
ÒAÓ are traveling in the
mobile phase.