Kpc = [X(in solvent A)]/[X(in solvent B)]
I realise that Kpc is actuallly a ratio but when you need the numerical value it has to be treated as a fraction.
When it has to be treated as a fraction how do you decide which solvent is A and which is B?
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$\begingroup$ In your last sentence, do you mean solvent, and not solute? If you mean solute, then I don't understand the question. $\endgroup$– airhuffCommented Mar 5, 2017 at 19:23
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$\begingroup$ @airhuff Thanks for pointing that out. Stupid mistake of mine! $\endgroup$– MirteCommented Mar 8, 2017 at 7:49
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1 Answer
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The proper way to express the partition coefficient of compound X distributed between an aqueous and organic phase, for example, is:
$$\mathrm{(K_P)_X = \frac{[X](org)}{[X](aq)}}$$
This unambiguously expresses the mathematical fraction to be used in calculating the partition constant for a solute, X between two solvents, aq and org.
