distribution constant

in chromatography
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01814
The concentration of a component in or on the stationary phase divided by the concentration of the component in the mobile phase. Since in @C01075@ a component may be present in more than one form (e.g. associated and dissociated forms), the analytical condition used here refers to the total amount present without regard to the existence of various forms. These terms are also called the distribution coefficients. However, the present term conforms more closely to the general usage in science.
Source:
PAC, 1993, 65, 819. (Nomenclature for chromatography (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)) on page 847 [Terms] [Paper]
See also:
Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 88 [Terms] [Book]
PAC, 1996, 68, 957. (Glossary of terms in quantities and units in Clinical Chemistry (IUPAC-IFCC Recommendations 1996)) on page 969 [Terms] [Paper]