Thin Layer Chromatography

Question 1

Step 1

Answer 1

Silica Gel is spread in a thin layer on a plastic sheet

Question 2

Step 2

Answer 2

Samples are applied near the lower edge

Question 3

Step 3

Answer 3

Lower edge is placed in solvent

Question 4

Step 4

Answer 4

Solvent soaks up the sheet, different components of the sample move with the solvent front at different rates

Question 5

Solvent Front

Answer 5

Highest point reached by solvent

Question 6

Rf

Answer 6

Relative Mobility

Question 7

High Rf

Answer 7

Non-polar aa

Question 8

Low Rf

Answer 8

Polar aa

Question 9

Rf Formula

Answer 9

Rf = Xb/Xf

Question 10

aa detection

Answer 10

• colourless
• ninhydrin is added to react with primary and secondary amines
• colour intensity : amount of aa
• fluorescamine is another alternative