• The less polar components travel further up the TLC plate
  • Their?Rf?values are higher?than those closer to the baseline
  • They are?more soluble?in the mobile phase and get carried forwards with the solvent

   

• More polar components do not travel far up the plate
  • They are more attracted to the polar stationary phase

   

• The extent of separating molecules in the investigated sample depends on the solubility in the mobile and stationary phases
• Knowing the Rf?values, of compounds being analysed, helps to compare the polarity of various molecules

Answers:

Blue spot Rf?value = 2.82 ÷ 4.63=? 0.61 = Leucine

Green spot Rf?value = 2.45 ÷ 4.63= 0.536 = Isoleucine

Red spot Rf?value = 2.04? ÷ 4.63= 0.44 = Valine