Question

The apparent equilibrium constant (Kbiphasic) of this system may be defined as _____________

(a) \(\frac{[B_{org}]}{[A_{org}]}\)

(b) \(\frac{[B_w]}{[A_w]}\)

(c) \(\frac{[B_t]}{[A_t]}\)

(d) \(\frac{[B_{org}]}{[B_w]}\)

The question was asked during an online interview.

My question is from Recent Advances in portion Recent Advances in Enzyme Technology of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) \(\frac{[B_t]}{[A_t]}\)

The explanation: The biphasic system is represented by the following reaction

Kw and Korg represents equilibrium constants for water and organic phase respectively. PA and PB are partition co-efficients of A and B respectively.

Kbiphasic represents the apparent equilibrium constant and is given by, \(\frac{[B_t]}{[A_t]}\),

Where At = Concentration of A in total solution and Bt = Concentration of B in total solution.