MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 169: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 169

4. If benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, p-nitrophenol, and naphthalene were separated by column chromatography with ether on silica gel, which compound would elute first according to the Rf values from question 3?

  • A. Benzyl alcohol
  • B. Benzyl acetate
  • C. p-Nitrophenol
  • D. 1-Naphthalenemethanol

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In column chromatography, as in TLC, the less polar compound travels most rapidly. This means that 1-naphthalenemethanol,with the highest Rf value, would travel most rapidly and would be the first to elute from the column.

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