Question

Gas chromatography can be performed in X, whereas liquid chromatography can be performed in Y. Identify X and Y.

(a) X = only plane surfaces, Y = only columns

(b) X = only columns, Y = only plane surfaces

(c) X = only columns, Y = columns or plane surfaces

(d) X = columns or plane surfaces, Y = only plane surfaces

I had been asked this question during an interview for a job.

My question is based upon Methods of Purification of Organic Compounds topic in portion Organic Chemistry – Basic Principles and Technique of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Right choice is (c) X = only columns, Y = columns or plane surfaces

For explanation I would say: Gas chromatography can be done only in columns because in this method, the sample is vaporized and injected onto the top of the chromatographic column. It could be gas-liquid or gas-solid chromatography. Liquid chromatography has liquid as the mobile phase where sample ions or molecules are dissolved. So, it can be carried out either in a column or a plane.