Question #461b3

1 Answer
DocA
Feb 12, 2018

This depends on whether the the sample molecules “like” to be in the solvent or on the paper.

Explanation:

Chromatography depends on there being a stationary phase and a mobile phase. In paper chromatography the stationary phase is the paper and the mobile phase is the solvent.

If the molecules dissolve readily in the solvent they travel with the solvent as it rises up the paper. If they are not very soluble they adhere more to the paper and so don’t move quickly up the paper and hence separation occurs.

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