Question

Which of the following properties of molecular sieves make it ideal for exclusion mechanism of separation?

(a) High thermal stability

(b) Large inner surface area

(c) Variable framework charge

(d) Ability to distinguish materials on the basis of their size

This question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question comes from Gas Solid Chromatography topic in section Chromatography of Analytical Instrumentation

Answer 1

Right choice is (d) Ability to distinguish materials on the basis of their size

The best I can explain: Molecular sieves have the ability to distinguish materials on the basis of their size. This property can be used in separating molecules of linear structure from bulky ones.