Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a very useful technique for separating non-volatile or thermally fragile species.
Reason (R): The stationary phase in HPLC is a liquid, which protects the sample from high temperatures.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

HPLC → Liquid mobile phase + solid stationary phase → Suitable for heat-sensitive compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: HPLC is a widely used analytical technique in chemistry and forensic science for separating compounds that cannot be vaporized easily or are sensitive to heat.

Step 1: Analyzing Assertion (A).
HPLC operates at room or moderate temperatures and uses a liquid mobile phase. Therefore, it is ideal for separating:
• Non-volatile compounds
• Thermally unstable or fragile substances Thus, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyzing Reason (R).
The reason states that the stationary phase in HPLC is a liquid. This is incorrect because:
• In HPLC, the stationary phase is typically a solid (e.g., silica particles) or a solid coated with liquid.
• The mobile phase is liquid, not the stationary phase. Thus, Reason (R) is incorrect.

Step 3: Evaluating relationship.
Since Assertion is correct and Reason is incorrect, the correct option must reflect this. Final Conclusion:
Hence, the correct answer is option (3).