Question

Predict the behavior of your unknown if it were subjected to TLC in propanol (draw a sketch of the TLC plate). Could propanol be used to separate the two compounds in your unknown by column chromatography? Explain.

Answer the same questions but using hexanes as the solvent.

Unknown contains Ferrocene and Acetylferrocene.

Answer 1

Propanol is more polar solvent.

If we run the TLC in polar solvent such as propanol, then all the unknown compounds will run together to the maximum Rf value and there is no proper seperation can be observed.

So, Propanol alone is not a good solvent for TLC sepreration. The both unknown compounds will show same Rf.

If we run the column with the same solvent system, then both unknown compounds will elute together

In the same way. If we run the TLC in Hexane (Hexane is non-polar solvent). The unknown compounds wer wont move in TLCand they cannt be seperated in Hexane.

TLC profile in Hexane

If we use Hexane for elution in column chromotography, the both unknowns cann't run in column.

So Hexane is not a good solvent for separation.