Chromatography is based on a physical equilibrium
that results when a solute
is transferred between the mobile and a stationary
phase.
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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.