Layer equilibrium

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006491",
  "term": "Layer equilibrium",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A condition in planar chromatography in which the stationary phase layer has taken up mobile phase from the surrounding vapour until it is saturated, reached when the atmosphere of the development chamber is saturated with solvent vapour. With a saturated chamber, solvent does not evaporate from the layer during development, which reduces edge effects and makes retardation factors more reproducible. Lining the chamber with filter paper wetted by the solvent is a common way to reach it.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "saturation",
    "mobile phase",
    "stationary phase"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 99 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/layer-equilibrium/"
}