In a paper chromatography analysis, three pigments, A, B, and C, were dissolved in a solvent. A is slightly polar, B is highly polar, and C is moderately polar. List in order how these will appear on the surface of the chromatography strip starting from the applied spot at the origin line.

Answer:It would depend on the eluent solvent what we use, If we would use a polar solvent than B will be appear first followed by c and then A on the chromatography strip.

If we use non-polar eluent solvent than A will be separated first followed by C and thenB on the chromatography strip.

Explanation:

Separation using paper chromatography is dependent upon the polarity of various pigments.

A polar pigment would move ahead in case of polar solvent used and a non-polar pigment would move ahead when we use a non-polar solvent.

So separation would occur in order of polarity of various pigments in a given solvent.

The amount of distance travelled by each component (or pigment or spot) can be calculated using the formula for retention factor:

Rf = Distance travelled by pigment spot or solute/Distance travelled by eluent solvent

Rf = Retention factor

Retention factor is basically the ratio of distance tarvelled by the pigment or spot to the ratio of distance travelled by the solvent.