Question

Gas chromatography separates compounds depending on their__________ . Benzene, m-xylene, and toluene have similar_________ , therefore, the main basis for separation is_______ . The more volatile a component the_______ , hence the more time it spends in the________ , giving it a________ retention time. Therefore, components of a liquid mixture will elute in order of_________ .

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Gas chromatography separates compounds depending on their **polarity and volatility**. Benzene, m-xylene, and toluene have similar **polarities**, therefore, the main basis for separation is **volatility**. The more volatile a component the ** higher its vapor pressure**, hence the more time it spends in the **gaseous mobile phase**, giving it a **shorter** retention time. Therefore, components of a liquid mixture will elute in order of **increasing boiling points/decreasing volatilities/increasing polarities with the stationary phase**.