Thin Layer Chromatography – Extension Questions

1. In TLC it is possible to calculate the value k, the capacity factor of a substance,

which is defined as ‘the ratio of its retention time in the stationary phase to that in
the mobile phase’.

k is related to Rf by the equation:

In the TLC plate below (figure 1), calculate k for the starting material and the
product and briefly discuss how these values relate to the mobility of the
compounds in the TLC plate shown in figure 1.

Figure 1

2. For the TLC plates shown in figure 2 (the TLC of a 3 component mixture), put the
correct letter against each structure. Explain why there are only two spots visualised
on the 2nd TLC plate. (The mobile phase in each case is 5% MeOH in CH 2Cl2).
 Figure 2

3. For each pair of compounds in figure 3 (shown below), circle the compound that
would be expected to give the higher Rf value, if they were subjected to normal
phase TLC. Assume CH2Cl2 is used as the mobile phase in the TLC analysis.

Figure 3
4. An analytical scientist having designed a ‘reversed phase TLC’ separation protocol
was able to analyse a mixture containing the two compounds G and H, shown in
figure 4 below, by this method. Which of the two compounds would you expect to
move further up the plate (i.e. have a greater Rf value)? Explain the reasons for
your choice.

Figure 4