Validity of Martin's equation in reversed‐phase paper‐chromatography

The properties of the paper-chromatographic system paraffin oil/acetic acid-water (84 + 16), applied to the analysis of sterols, have been investigated. The variation of the cross sectional areas occupied by the stationary and mobile phases (AL/AS ratio) was studied. By inserting experimental values for AL/AS, RF and the partition coefficients of two sterols in the equation of Martin: α = AL/AS (1/RF - 1), strong evidence was obtained as to the validity of this equation in the reversed-phase system studied.