What is the Difference Between Adsorption and Partition Chromatography?

Adsorption and partition chromatography are two types of chromatography used for the separation of mixtures. The key difference between them lies in the stationary phase they use for separation:

• Adsorption Chromatography: In this type of chromatography, the stationary phase is solid, and the separation occurs based on adsorption. The stationary phase has a variety of adsorption sites, and the separation of molecules is based on their affinity for the stationary phase. Examples of adsorption chromatographic techniques include paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and column chromatography.
• Partition Chromatography: In partition chromatography, the stationary phase is a liquid coated on a solid support, and the separation is based on partitioning. The mobile phase carries the components of the mix through the stationary phase, and the separation of molecules occurs as they distribute themselves between the mobile and stationary phases.

Both adsorption and partition chromatography have the same basic structure, consisting of a mobile phase and a stationary phase. The stationary phase remains fixed in place, while the mobile phase carries the components of the mixture through it. The movement of the components in the mobile phase is controlled by the interactions with the stationary phase and their significance in their molecular profiles. Chromatography is used for the separation of various substances, such as amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, drugs, hormones, and vitamins.

Comparative Table: Adsorption vs Partition Chromatography

The main difference between adsorption and partition chromatography lies in the mechanism of separation. Here is a table comparing the two types of chromatography:

In adsorption chromatography, the stationary phase is a solid material, and compounds are separated based on their adsorption onto the solid surface. Examples of adsorption chromatography techniques include column chromatography, paper chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography.

On the other hand, partition chromatography involves the separation of compounds by partitioning them between the mobile and stationary phases, which are both in liquid states. Liquid-gas chromatography and liquid-liquid chromatography are examples of partition chromatography.