Question

A pigment solution contains compound A with 4 polar groups and compound B with 2 polar groups. You plan to separate these compounds using paper chromatography with a nonpolar solvent. Predict the location of the two bands relative to the solvent front. Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The more polar A compound moves ahead of the less polar B compound.

Explanation:

The analytical process that involves the separation of colored substance or chemicals is named as paper chromatography, a replacement of thin-layer chromatography. In this method, there is the use of two solvents and rotation of paper at $90^0$. It helps in isolating two complex compounds of equal polarity.

A non-polar mixture of solvent is required in the mobile phase of this method. In accordance with the retention factor of this process, the more polar compound A will go further than compound B as the solvent is non-polar.