Question

I did a TLC experiment.

What makes a substance go further than the other ?

Does it related with the structures of it or functional groups they have?

Answer 1

The compound polarity defines the Rf , i.e. the distance covered in the TLC. More polar is the compound, interacts with the stationary phase, thus moves slowly. on the other hand, non-polar compound moves past due to little interaction with the stationary phase.

The functional group decides, the molecule polarity, so Rf is affected with the presence of functional groups. Like carboxylic acid groups makes the compound more polar on the other hand simple hydrocacrbons are non polar in nature.