Mnemonics to Learn Partition Coefficient Easily

Partition (Distribution of a solute between two immiscible solvents) and Partition coefficient

Mnemonic:

“Partition Means Portioning Solute Between Phases.”

Partition → means dividing

Portioning → splitting the solute

Between Phases → like oil and water, or organic and aqueous layers

Helps you remember:

Partition is the movement of solute between two layers (immiscible solvents), like oil and water.

2. Partition Coefficient (Kₒ/ₐ = [solute] in organic / [solute] in aqueous)

Mnemonic:

“KOA = King Of Absorption!”

Kₒ/ₐ → Partition coefficient between Organic and Aqueous

King Of Absorption → tells which phase absorbs more solute

Helps you remember:

Kₒ/ₐ > 1 → solute prefers organic phase (e.g., lipophilic drugs)

Kₒ/ₐ < 1 → solute prefers aqueous phase (e.g., hydrophilic substances)

Alternate Trick for Formula:

Mnemonic:

“Upper Over Lower”

(in a separating funnel, organic is usually upper, aqueous is lower)

K = [Upper] / [Lower] = Organic / Aqueous