Question

Question: Each of the solvents given should effectively separate one of following mixtures by TLC. Match the appropriate solvent with the mixture that you would expect to separate well with that solvent. Select your solvent from the following: hexane, methylene chloride, or acetone.

A. 2-Phenylethanol and acetophenone.
B. Bromobenzene and p-xylene
C. Benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid

My answer: Hexane is nonpolar, acetone is polar, and methylene chloride is a solvent of intermediate polarity so the best solvents are:
A. Acetone
B. Hexane
C. Methylene chloride

Hopefully I got the polarities right. Please check these.

Thanks from Sheryl


These look ok to me BUT you should definitely get a second opinion. It all depends upon assigning polarities to the three solvents and to the mixtures correctly.