Question

Please help me with the following question regarding using TLC plates for comparison of recrystallization.

Question: Your lab partner suggests trying the same solvents that worked for TLC for the recrystallization experiments. How should you respond?  

1. Consider the time it would save time in the lab procedure.  

2. Insist on always following the procedure exactly as it is written.

3. Point out that for recrystallization, room-temperature solubility should be poor.

4. Explain that TLC solvents depend upon polarity whereas recrystallization solvents do not.

I know it isn't #1, and I am pretty sure it is not #4, because polarity is important for both TLC and recrystallization. I am not sure about #3, because I think it is true that room temp solubility would be poor for some compounds, but can't you put warm or hot compounds on the TLC plate? So, would that leave #2 as the answer?

Thanks.

Answer 1