Thin Layer Chromatography

Question 1

What are lipids?

Answer 1

Water insoluble molecules that are soluble in a variety of non-polar molecules

Question 2

What basis will the pigments be separated on?

Answer 2

The stationary phase of the thin layer of silica gel

Question 3

True or False: Pigments that interact weekly with the stationary phase will go slow up the plate

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What is the formula for Rf

Answer 4

Distance moved by pigment/Distance moved by solvent

Question 5

What should be done to the spinach leaves in the practical?

Answer 5

Cut 5g into pieces and grind in mortar and pestle with 10ml methanol

Question 6

How should the mixture be separated after grinding?

Answer 6

Filter into test tube and add 5ml ether, swirl then drip 0.5ml of 1mM NaCl down the side of the tube, allow to stand.

Question 7

How do you prepare the top green layer for drying under nitrogen?

Answer 7

Add a pinch of anhydrous sodium sulphate, add to boiling tube and dry under nitrogen

Question 8

To finish, what should be added to the dry extract?

Answer 8

0.4 ml cyclohexane