Term: distribution constant
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01814

Definition:
The concentration of a component in or on the stationary phase divided by the concentration of the component in the mobile phase. Since in chromatography a component may be present in more than one form (e.g. associated and dissociated forms), the analytical condition used here refers to the total amount present without regard to the existence of various forms. These terms are also called the distribution coefficients. However, the present term conforms more closely to the general usage in science.

Related Terms:
1) chromatography (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01075).

Source: PAC, 1993, 65, 819. 'Nomenclature for chromatography (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)' on page 847 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199365040819)

Citation: 'distribution constant' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01814

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