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Definition: Partition Coefficient of Comp 2 is described as the concentration ratio of a chemical between two media at equilibrium.
Purpose: This calculator helps determine the partition coefficient of a second solute based on its relative retention and the partition coefficient of a reference solute.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The partition coefficient of the second component is calculated by multiplying the relative retention factor by the partition coefficient of the first component.
Details: Partition coefficients are crucial in chromatography, environmental chemistry, and pharmaceutical research to understand how substances distribute between different phases.
Tips: Enter the relative retention (α) and the partition coefficient of solute 1 (K₁). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What is relative retention in chromatography?
A: Relative retention (α) is the ratio of adjusted retention times for any two components, indicating their separation efficiency.
Q2: How does partition coefficient affect separation?
A: Components with different partition coefficients will distribute differently between phases, enabling their separation.
Q3: What are typical units for partition coefficients?
A: Partition coefficients are dimensionless as they represent concentration ratios, but the concentrations must be in consistent units.
Q4: Can this formula be used for liquid-liquid extraction?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to distribution between any two immiscible phases.
Q5: What factors affect partition coefficients?
A: Temperature, pH, solvent composition, and molecular properties of the solute all influence partition coefficients.