Question

tlc plate is run in 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate (equal mixture of the two solvents) and the rfs of the compounds recorded. if a new plate is run in 4:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, will the rf values increase or decrease?

Answer 1

The Rf values will increase.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rf values are inversely proportional to the polarity of the solvent. This means that as the polarity of the solvent increases, the Rf values decrease. In this case, the polarity of the solvent mixture is decreasing from 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate (equal mixture of the two solvents) to 4:1 hexane/ethyl acetate. Therefore, the Rf values will increase.

In conclusion, as the polarity of the solvent mixture decreases from 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate (equal mixture of the two solvents) to 4:1 hexane/ethyl acetate, the Rf values will increase. This is because Rf values are inversely proportional to the polarity of the solvent.