BRAINCAKEThin-Layer Chromatography
In thin-layer chromatography (TLC), the stationary phase is a thin layer of silica (SiO2) or alumina (Al2O3) spread on a glass, metal or plastic plate. The mobile phase is a liquid solvent. Components separate by adsorption: the more strongly a component is adsorbed onto the stationary phase, the more slowly it moves.
Method.
1. Draw a pencil baseline about 1 cm from the bottom of the plate.
2. Spot the mixture, and known reference compounds, on the line using a capillary tube.
3. Stand the plate in a beaker containing a little solvent. The solvent level must be below the baseline, or the spots would dissolve into the solvent.
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All 15 lessons in Modern Analytical Techniques · All Edexcel A-level Chemistry topics