Question

Why osmotic pressure is more advantageous than other colligative properties?

Hint:

Osmotic pressure is the best method for determining the molar mass of proteins and polymers.

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept
Measurement of molar masses of polymers and macromolecules.

Step 2: Meaning
Biomolecules are unstable at high temperatures and have poor solubility.

Step 3: Analysis
Osmotic pressure is usually measured at ordinary temperatures, depends upon the molarity of the solution, and can be determined accurately even for very dilute solutions.

• Osmotic pressure is the minimum pressure that must be applied to a solution to prevent the flow of solvent through a semipermeable membrane.

• It is represented by the symbol: \[ \pi. \]

• Osmotic pressure is related to concentration by the van't Hoff equation: \[ \pi=iCRT, \] where itemize

• $i$ is the van't Hoff factor,

• $C$ is the molarity,

• $R$ is the universal gas constant,

• $T$ is the absolute temperature.
Unlike boiling point elevation and freezing point depression, osmotic pressure depends upon

molarity rather than molality. It can be measured conveniently at room temperature because no heating or cooling of the solution is required. Even very dilute solutions produce measurable osmotic pressures. Therefore, osmotic pressure is one of the most accurate colligative properties for determining the molar masses of high-molecular-mass substances such as proteins and polymers. itemize

Step 4: Conclusion
These conditions make it the most suitable colligative property for large molecules.

Final Answer: It is measured at room temperature, relies on molarity instead of molality, and yields a large, measurable magnitude even for very dilute solutions.