Question

Consider compounds trans-4-tert-butylcyclohexanol and 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone below. Using silica gel TLC plates, which of these two compounds will have the higher Rf value when dichloromethane is the developing solvent? Why?

Does it possibly have to do with the polarity?

Answer 1

Yes, it does. Is dichloromethane a polar solvent?

Answer 2

yes it is a polar solvent

Answer 3

So the polar solvent holds more tightly to the polar solute; the less polar solute has nothing to hold it back so it swishes through the TLC plate.

Answer 4

How would you know which one is the polar solute?