Question

What is/are the advantage(s) of Thin Layer Chromatography over Column Chromatography?

• A. TLC is smaller and hence requires lesser amount of material/substance
• B. More distinct individual spots which make determination easy
• C. A wide variety of solvents can be used in TLC
• D. $R_f$ value can be easily measured
• E. TLC is faster and more flexible

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)

The correct options are
A TLC is smaller and hence requires lesser amount of material/substance
B More distinct individual spots which make determination easy
C A wide variety of solvents can be used in TLC
D $R_f$ value can be easily measured
E TLC is faster and more flexible

In thin layer chromatography, a TLC plate is used. A TLC plate is very small in size and hence the amount of sample required will also be less. The sample has to travel lesser distance.

The components of the mixture make individual spots on the TLC plate and hence it becomes easier to distinguish them. Since the spots are easily distinguishable, the retention factor can also be easily calculated. TLCs generally use silica gel as the stationery phase and a wide variety of solvents can be used as the mobile phase.