Question

The use of TLC to monitor the reaction of vanillin with enzymes produced by yeast relies on the fact that the reactant and product are expected to have very different R_f values. Could you use the same approach to monitor other reactions in which the reactant and product have very different R_f values? Explain this concept clearly, using diagrams to illustrate what you would expect to observe during a TLC analysis (as the reaction progresses toward completion) when the product is much less polar than the reactant.

Answer 1

The thin layer chromatography is a very effecctive tool to understand the current state of the reaction. If the starting material and product may or may not have same Rf value still they are differentited by various techniques like I₂, uv,spray reagents etc. If the Rf values are different it is easily by any visualizing agents. If the product is less polar (which is not an issue for any analysis) still the TLC can help which on the meter of polarity. Many times the polarity of the product is understood easily, if not also these techniques will help. If you are running a TLC in polar and non polar solvents you can gauge the next solvent easily for your analysis. for some polar solvents ammonia could be an effective tool as a drop will help the polarity enormously. TLC can studied on silica, cellulose and alumina plates depending on the need. The silica is easy to handle in comparison with others. Let me know for any further details which can be looked upon.