In an organic chemistry lab, we are given an unknown mixture that is a mixture o

Question

In an organic chemistry lab, we are given an unknown mixture that is a mixture of carboxylic acid, amine, and neutral compound. When we did TLC of the initial unknown compound, we only got one spot when there are three substances mixed.

Did each compound show up by TLC when purified? If so did they all have similar Rf values? If they did not show up when pure then the answer is simply they wouldn’t show in the mixture either. Lastly think how acids and bases react. If the acid and base in you sample reacted would they be a single spot or two? Would this (these) spot(s) be higher, lower or the same Rf as when they are separate?

Explanation / Answer

clearly, you should expect:

cabxilic acid (acid) + amine ( base) to react --> in order to form water (H2O) and the respective ions

ions are most likely to attach to the polar TLC plate...

thereofre, the only spot you will see is that of the "neutral" compound, i.e. the one tht actually goes through the plate due to the polaity/nonpolarity of the same

Rf values for ionic species should be lower than that f the "neutral" compound

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