ISOLATION OF CHLOROPHYLL AND CAROTENOID PIGMENTS FROM SPINACH:

Question

What would happen to the Rf values of the pigments if you were to increase the relative concentration of acetone in the developing solvent ?

I said the Rf values would be higher because Acetone is more polar than hexane ... so the components would move faster across the TLC plate. We used 70%hexane-30% acetone for preparing our development chamber. ... I would like to know if my answer is right and if not what's the right answer please. Thanks

Answer 1

I'm no TLC man but my thinking is the same as yours.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure pigments travel further when they are less polar. Since acetone is more polar then the rf values would be less.

Answer 3

Thanks