Question

For the Phase Transfer Catalysis Experiment: When running a TLC plate, what is the correct order of compounds from bottom to the top?

1)least polar compounds
2)most polar compounds
3) medium polar compounds

A) 1 , 2 , 3
B) 2, 1 ,3
C) 3 , 2 , 1
D) 2 ,3, 1

Answer 1

On a TLC plate, the most polar compounds will travel the least and appear at the bottom, while the least polar compounds will travel the most and appear at the top. The correct order from bottom to top on a TLC plate is the most polar, followed by medium polar, and then the least polar compounds, making option B) 2, 3, 1 the correct choice.

Step-by-step explanation:

When running a Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plate in the context of a Phase Transfer Catalysis Experiment, the correct order of compounds from bottom to top is based on polarity. The TLC plate is coated with a polar stationary phase, and as the solvent moves up the plate via capillary action in the mobile phase, compounds with different polarities are separated.

The least polar compounds will have weaker interactions with the polar stationary phase and will therefore travel further up the TLC plate, appearing higher. In contrast, the most polar compounds have stronger interactions with the stationary phase, which makes them travel less, appearing lower on the TLC plate. Lastly, medium polar compounds will be situated between the least and most polar compounds in terms of their height on the TLC plate.

In relation to the options provided, the correct order from bottom to top on a TLC plate would be:

1. Most polar compounds (they adhere more to the stationary phase and hence move slower)
2. Medium polar compounds (they interact moderately with the stationary phase)
3. Least polar compounds (they interact the least with the stationary phase and move the fastest)

Therefore, the correct answer is B) 2, 3, 1.