Question:

Which of the following statement is correct about gas chromatography?

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GC is used for volatile compounds like fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) or flavor compounds. Non-volatile compounds require HPLC.
  • Separation of components in the mixture is on the basis of their charge
  • Separation of components in the mixture is on basis of difference in their partitioning behavior
  • Separation of components in the mixture is on the basis of their molecular geometry
  • Separation of components in the mixture is on the basis of their size
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the fundamental physical principle that allows for the separation of chemical mixtures in Gas Chromatography (GC).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Principle of GC: Gas Chromatography involves a mobile phase (an inert carrier gas like Helium) and a stationary phase (a microscopic layer of liquid or polymer inside a column).

Partitioning: When a vaporized sample is injected, its components distribute themselves between the gas phase and the stationary liquid phase. This is known as partitioning.

Retention Time: Components that have a higher affinity for the stationary phase spend more time "dissolved" in it and move slowly. Those with lower affinity stay in the carrier gas and move quickly. These differences in partitioning behavior lead to different elution times (retention times).

Inaccuracy of other options:
• (A) describes Ion Exchange chromatography.

• (D) describes Size Exclusion chromatography (Gel filtration).

Step 3: Final Answer:

Separation in GC is fundamentally due to the varying partition coefficients of the analytes between the mobile gas and the stationary phase. Option (B) is correct.
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