Question

Why more hexane than ethyl acetate? Which compound do you expect to move faster down the column?

a) Hexane dissolves the compounds better; 2-Chloroheptane
b) Ethyl acetate dissolves the compounds better; Butanoic Acid
c) Hexane provides better separation; Mixture
d) Ethyl acetate provides better separation; Mixture

Answer 1

Hexane would provide better separation for 2-Chloroheptane, while ethyl acetate would provide better separation for Butanoic Acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which compound, hexane or ethyl acetate, would move faster down the column. To determine this, we need to consider the solubility and separation abilities of each compound. Hexane is a non-polar solvent, while ethyl acetate is a polar solvent. Generally, non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar compounds better, while polar solvents dissolve polar compounds better. In this case, 2-Chloroheptane, a non-polar compound, would dissolve better in hexane, while Butanoic Acid, a polar compound, would dissolve better in ethyl acetate. Therefore, hexane would provide better separation for 2-Chloroheptane, while ethyl acetate would provide better separation for Butanoic Acid.