Basic principle of Reverse Phase Chromatography:

Problem:

Explain the basic principle of Reverse Phase Chromatography and its applicability to PC and TLC.

Explain reverse phase PC and TLC. In what respect are these different from normal PC and TLC?

Answer:

i)  In reverse phase chromatography applicable to liquid-liquid chromatography, stationary phase is preferably or non-polar long chain hydrocarbon and the solvent phase is polar such as chloroform, acetone, tetrahydrofuran or alcohols etc. Its applicability to PC and TLC are new developments where stationary phase is modified accordingly so as to obtain better separations.

ii) In reverse phase paper chromatography, paper is coated with silicone or paraffin oil and the mobile phase is any polar organic solvent. Similarly, in case of TLC, adsorbent is modified accordingly and is coated on a smooth plate whereas the chromatogram is developed using a polar solvent.