Solvent and Polarity Effects in Thin Layer Chromatography Lab Report

Solvent and Polarity Effects in Thin Layer Chromatography - Lab Report Example The adsorption chromatography is the most common type of TLC that analysts use in the labs to carry out their experiments from the many types of TLCs that exist (Snyder 57). Solvents with low volatility and with low viscosities are mostly used in the TLC experiment. Some of the commonly used solvents in the TLC process include hexane, ethanol, pentane, hydrocarbon mixture, acetone, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether because they are much cheaper and due to the fact that they are non-toxic. The distance that a compound travels on the silicon plate will depend largely on the compound’s affinity for the absorption material (Silicon plate) in comparison with the eluent (the solvent in use). This experiment determines the effect of polarity on elution as well as determines the TLC of an unknown organic compound. 120 mL jars, filter papers, hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, measuring cylinder, silica gel, TLC plates, lead pencils, trans-stilbene, 9-flourenone, benzoic acid, methylyene chloride, spotter and Iodine. 5. In a separate set up, dissolve in a test tube 2 mg of benzoic acid, 9-fluorenone and trans-stilbene in 10 drops of methylene chloride. Label each test tube. Record the observations in each test tube. 6. Use a spotter to apply a little amount of trans-stilbene at the first point on the first line on one plate very briefly using a spotter. Here, the solution should move by capillary action. Similarly, apply some amount of benzoic acid and 9-fluorenone on the second and the third line respectively. Look at the spots under ultraviolet light to see clearly. NB: It is important to protect one’s eyes using a protective device like a goggle to avoid eye contamination from the dangerous ultraviolet rays. Add some little solvent in each line of the plate again if the lines are not clearly visible. Record