QJEEM17Cha773: JEE Main 2017 Chemistry - Class 11 JEEM17Cha773 Solution: Which of the following statements is not true about partition…

In partition chromatography, which includes paper chromatography, the stationary phase is typically water held by cellulose fibers in the paper. This paper acts as an inert support. When a mixture is applied to the paper, its components partition between this stationary phase and the mobile phase (which can be a liquid or a gas). The varying affinities of the mixture's components for the stationary and mobile phases allow for their separation.

Now, let's address the options :

Option A : Mobile phase can be a gas - This is true. In partition chromatography, the mobile phase can be either a liquid or a gas.

Option B : Stationary phase is a finely divided solid adsorbent - This is typically false for partition chromatography. Here, the stationary phase is a liquid (like water in paper chromatography) that's held by an inert solid support (like cellulose paper).

Option C : Separation depends upon equilibration of solute between a mobile and a stationary phase - This is true. In partition chromatography, the mixture's components equilibrate between the mobile and stationary phases, leading to their separation.

Option D : Paper chromatography is an example of partition chromatography - This is true. As explained above, in paper chromatography, the stationary phase (water) is held by an inert support (cellulose paper), fitting the definition of partition chromatography.