A sample containing anthracene dissolved in methane was separated using gas chromatography. Methane was detected at 42.5 seconds (tm) and anthracene was detected at 173.6 seconds (tr). If the manufacturer of the column states that the volume of the mobile phase (Vm) is 7.0 times the volume of the stationary phase (Vs), calculate both the retention factor (k) and the partition coefficient (K) for anthracene in this separation.

1) k=?

2) K=?

Question

Tania Cantrell

Chemistry

25 September, 10:56

A sample containing anthracene dissolved in methane was separated using gas chromatography. Methane was detected at 42.5 seconds (tm) and anthracene was detected at 173.6 seconds (tr). If the manufacturer of the column states that the volume of the mobile phase (Vm) is 7.0 times the volume of the stationary phase (Vs), calculate both the retention factor (k) and the partition coefficient (K) for anthracene in this separation.

1) k=?

2) K=?

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Cierra Rogers · Answer 1

a) k = 4.085

b) K = 0.143

Explanation:

gas chromatography:

∴ tm = 42.5 s

∴ tr = 173.6 s

∴ Vm = 7 Vs

a) retention factor (k):

∴ k = tr/tm

⇒ k = 173.6/42.5 = 4.085

b) partition coefficient (K):

∴ K ≅ Vs/Vm

⇒ K = 1/7 = 0.143