Question

In carrying out an analysis of a mixture, what do you expect to see when the TLC plate has been allowed to remain in the developing chamber too long, so that the solvent front has reached the top of the plate

Answer 1

See explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

In TLC, the plate is spotted at a point above the solvent front and the solvent moves up the plate by capillary action leading to the separation of the various components of the mixture spotted on the plate.

However, if the TLC plate is allowed to remain in the developing chamber for too long such that the solvent front reaches the top of the plate, the components of the mixture will recombine at the top of the plate and cancel out any separation which may have occurred on the plate.