Question

1) Using a thin layer chromatography plate you experimentally determine the Rf values of benzhydrol and biphenol developed with methanol as a solvent and then developed with hexane as a solvent. In methanol, the Rf of benzydrol is 0.69, and the Rf of biphenol is 0.63. In hexane, the Rf of benzhydrol is 0, and the Rf for biphenol is 0.46. Answer the following referring to the Rf values given and offer explanations based on principles of intermolecular forces.

a) In hexane, what accounts for the difference between these Rf values?

b) Is methanol a good solvent for separating an alcohol from an aromatic hydrocarbon? Why or Why not?

c) Is hexane a good solvent for separating an alcohol from an aromatic hydrocarbon? Why or why not?

Answer 1