Distribution Law Page

The solute must not undergo association (clumping) or dissociation (breaking into ions) in either solvent. If the solute reacts with a solvent or ionizes, the formula must be modified to account for these chemical changes. Practical Applications

The principle of a solute partitioning itself between a mobile phase and a stationary phase is the fundamental mechanism behind various chromatographic separation techniques. Conclusion distribution law

The law states that at a constant temperature, a solute will distribute itself between two immiscible liquids in such a way that the ratio of its concentrations in the two layers is constant, provided the solute exists in the same molecular state in both solvents. Mathematically, this is expressed as: The solute must not undergo association (clumping) or

For the law to hold strictly true, several conditions must be met: Conclusion The law states that at a constant

The law is most accurate at low concentrations, where the solute behaves ideally.

are the equilibrium concentrations of the solute in Solvent 1 and Solvent 2. KDcap K sub cap D is the Distribution Coefficient (or Partition Coefficient). Necessary Conditions and Limitations