MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 168: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 168
3. What would be the effect on the Rf values if the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) described below were run with hexane rather than ether as the eluent?
| Compound | Retardation Factor in Ether |
|---|---|
| Benzyl alcohol | 0.10 |
| Benzyl acetate | 0.26 |
| p-Nitrophenol | 0.23 |
| 1-Naphthalenemethanol | 0.40 |
- A. No effect
- B. Increase tenfold
- C. Double
- D. Decrease
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Hexane is less polar than ether and, therefore, is less likely to displace polar compounds adsorbed to the silica gel. This would decrease the distance these polar compounds would travel, decreasing Rf values.