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MCAT Organic Question — Silica Plates

Which compound will migrate the fastest during thin layer chromatography using silica plates?

 

silica plates

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During thin layer chromatography on silica plates, polar molecules are attracted to the silica and migrate slower than non-polar compounds. Of the answer choices, only cyclohexane is non-polar. Choice A is correct.

 

A. Correct.

B. Incorrect, ketone group makes this molecule polar.

C. Incorrect, the carboxylic acid group is polar.

D. Incorrect, the alcohol is polar.

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