TLC analysis of a mixture having 3 components (A, B, C) using silica gel as the stationary phase gave following R f values; for A = 0.72, B = 0.48, C = 0.20.
Regarding the above observations, which one of the following statements is not correct for column chromatography of the mixture?

Solution

Chemistry ma’am · 3 steps

On silica, a high R_f means a weak grip: the spot that runs farthest is the least polar one.

1. What Rf tells you. Silica gel is polar, so polar compounds stick to it strongly and move slowly. A compound that dissolves well in the mobile phase travels far and has a high R_f.

   Component	R_f	Adsorption on silica	Solubility in mobile phase	Column order
   A	0.72	weakest (least polar)	highest	eluted first
   B	0.48	medium	medium	second
   C	0.20	strongest (most polar)	lowest	eluted last

2. Check each statement. (a), (c) and (d) all match the table. Statement (b) says C is the most soluble in the mobile phase, but C has the lowest R_f, so it is the least soluble.
3. So. The statement that is not correct is (b).

The idea to keep. TLC and column chromatography on silica follow the same rule. Higher R_f means less polar, less adsorbed, more soluble in the eluent, and eluted first from the column.

Answer from the NTA final answer key. Solution by PrepWiser.