In thin-layer chromatography (TLC), what is the purpose of the solvent front?
Practice Questions
Q1
In thin-layer chromatography (TLC), what is the purpose of the solvent front?
To carry the sample up the plate
To act as a stationary phase
To visualize the compounds
To cool the plate
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In thin-layer chromatography (TLC), what is the purpose of the solvent front?
Step 1: In thin-layer chromatography (TLC), a plate is coated with a thin layer of a material called the stationary phase.
Step 2: A small amount of the sample mixture is placed on the plate near the bottom.
Step 3: A solvent (liquid) is added to the bottom of the plate, below the sample spot.
Step 4: The solvent moves up the plate by capillary action, creating a 'solvent front'.
Step 5: As the solvent moves, it carries the sample with it, allowing the different components of the sample to separate based on their interactions with the stationary phase.
Step 6: The solvent front helps to visualize how far the sample has traveled and indicates the progress of the separation.
