Partition chromatography wherein the substances are distributed or partitioned
between liquid phases. One phase is the water, which is held in the pores of the filter paper used; and other is the mobile phase which moves over the paper. The compounds in the mixture get separated due to differences in their affinity towards water (in stationary phase) and mobile phase solvents during the movement of mobile phase under the capillary action of pores in the paper. The principle can also be adsorption chromatography between solid and liquid phases, wherein the stationary phase is the solid surface of paper and the liquid phase is of mobile phase. ADVANTAGES
1. One of the major advantages of paper chromatography
is the sensitivity with which compounds can be located after separation. Amounts as little as 0.1 microgram of some compounds can be detected with routine reagents. 2. The operation time is small. 3. Cheaper compared to other chromatography methods. 4. Both unknown inorganic as well as organic compounds can be identified by paper chromatography method. 5. Do not occupy much space compared to other analytical methods or equipments. DISADVANTAGES
1. Paper chromatographic techniques cannot be used in separation of
volatile substances such as hydrocarbons and volatile fatty acids. 2. The lower limit for the detection of most compounds is 1-5 microgram. 3. In quantitative analysis paper chromatography is not effective. 4. Complex mixture cannot be separated by paper chromatography. 5. Less Accurate compared to HPLC.