MCAT Question of the Day
    •

    Q:

    		 Thin layer chromatography (TLC) involves the separation of compounds based on differences in polarity. The compounds interact differently with the solvent and the solid matrix, resulting in a different rate of travel along the solvent front as it wicks along the surface of the solid matrix. Consider a TLC experiment using a solid matrix of silica with diethyl ether as the solvent. Three compounds are dissolved in the ether: tyrosine (structure shown below), benzaldehyde, and phenol (hydroxybenzene). In which order will the compounds follow the solvent front?



    		 

    A

    		 phenol, benzaldehyde, tyrosine

    B

    		 phenol, tyrosine, benzaldehyde

    C

    		 benzaldehyde, tyrosine, phenol

    D

    		 benzaldehyde, phenol, tyrosine



    Intermolecular Forces |
    Subscribe


    Is Your Score Stuck?

    We can teach you how to crush the MCAT!

    Learn More