Final answer:
To arrange the compounds in order of increasing Rf when using TLC plates, we need to consider their polarity. The order of increasing polarity is: Hexylmethyl ether, n-heptane, 1-heptanol, n-heptanoic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
To arrange the compounds in order of increasing Rf when using TLC plates, we need to consider their polarity. Compounds with higher polarity will have a higher Rf value because they will be attracted to the mobile phase (the solvent) and move further up the TLC plate. Compounds with lower polarity will have a lower Rf value because they will be less attracted to the mobile phase and move less up the TLC plate.
The order of increasing polarity is:
- Hexylmethyl ether
- n-heptane
- 1-heptanol
- n-heptanoic acid
Hexylmethyl ether has the lowest polarity because it is a nonpolar compound. n-Heptane is slightly more polar than hexylmethyl ether but still relatively nonpolar. 1-Heptanol is more polar than both hexylmethyl ether and n-heptane due to the presence of a hydroxyl group, making it capable of forming hydrogen bonds. n-Heptanoic acid is the most polar compound among the given options because it has a carboxyl group, which can form hydrogen bonds and ion-dipole interactions.