Analysis of Binding Energetics in Paper and Thin‐Layer Chromatography

The binding of organic compounds to inorganic and organic polymers can be resolved by multiple regression analysis of adsorption data. Such data are provided indirectly by adsorption chromatography retentions or directly through measured heats of adsorption. This study uses chromatographic data to explore the nature of low energy binding events in terms of a primary binding descriptor (log P or MR) modified by electronic, steric, and sub‐structural descriptors. Mechanistic details are clearly revealed in the linear structure‐adsorption equations so derived. Aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, carboxylic acids, pyridines, and other classes adsorb on silica, paper, and Nylon 6 by mechanisms that are highly sensitive to structural change and, thus, easily resolved. The descriptors clearly indicate that binding predominates over the developing solvent effect.