The adsorbent used in adsorption chromatography is/are -
A. silica gel
B. alumina
C. quick lime
D. magnesia
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

Solution

Chemistry ma’am · 3 steps

NCERT names two adsorbents for this method, silica gel and alumina, so you need both A and B.

1. How it separates. In adsorption chromatography the mixture passes over a solid stationary phase. Components that are adsorbed more strongly move more slowly, and this is how they separate.
2. What the adsorbent needs. The solid must be polar and porous, with a large surface area. It must also be chemically inert towards the compounds being separated. Silica gel (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃) meet all of these needs.

   Substance	Standard adsorbent?	Where you usually meet it
   A. Silica gel, SiO₂	Yes	Column and thin layer chromatography
   B. Alumina, Al₂O₃	Yes	Column chromatography
   C. Quick lime, CaO	No	A strongly basic drying agent that reacts with many organic compounds
   D. Magnesia, MgO	Not a standard choice	A basic oxide, not listed among the common adsorbents

3. So. The adsorbents used are silica gel and alumina, so the answer is (d), A and B only.

The idea to keep. For adsorption chromatography, think silica gel and alumina. Both are inert, polar solids with a large surface area. A basic drying agent like quick lime is not an adsorbent.

Answer from the NTA final answer key. Solution by PrepWiser.