Intermolecular Forces and Properties

3.9  Separation of Solutions and Mixtures Chromatography

Essential Knowledge:

*These are taken directly from College Board

• The components of a liquid solution cannot be separated by filtration. They can, however, be separated using processes that take advantage of differences in the intermolecular interactions of the components. 

  • • Chromatography (paper,thin-layer,and column) separates chemical species by taking advantage of the differential strength of intermolecular interactions between and among the components of the solution (the mobile phase) and with the surface components of the stationary phase. 

    • Distillation separates chemical species by taking advantage of the differential strength of intermolecular interactions between and among the components and the effects these interactions have on the vapor pressures of the components in the mixture. (SPQ-3.A.1 )