Question

Synthetic ion exchanger in Ion Exchange Chromatography is

• A. Cross-linked polyelectrolyte
• B. Cross-linked electrolyte
• C. Parallel linked electrolyte
• D. Parallel linked polyelectrolyte

Hint:

Synthetic ion exchange resins are insoluble cross-linked polyelectrolyte networks containing fixed ionic functional groups.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ion exchange chromatography matrices consist of insoluble polymeric support networks bearing covalently attached ionic functional groups.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Synthetic ion exchange resins are prepared by copolymerizing monomers (such as styrene) with cross-linking agents (such as divinylbenzene, DVB) to form a three-dimensional insoluble matrix.
The matrix is functionalized with multiple ionizable groups (e.g., sulfonic acid $-\text{SO}_3^-$ or quaternary amine $-\text{N}^+(\text{CH}_3)_3$), forming an insoluble cross-linked polyelectrolyte network capable of stoichiometric reversible ion exchange.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, synthetic ion exchangers are cross-linked polyelectrolytes.