The role of complex formation in partition paper chromatography

Further information of the possible effects of chemical reaction on differential ionic movement in partition paper chromatography was obtained by developing chromatograms of fifteen inorganic cations with alcoholic solvents containing varying concentrations of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate.An examination of these chromatograms indicated that variations in the concentrations of E.D.T.A. in the solvent or the presence of free acid or ammonia resulted in marked changes in R_F values and spot areas.It is therefore suggested that care should be taken in interpreting the results of any chromatograms developed with solvents capable of chemical interaction with the “spotted” solute.