Question Detail

CHM 102 Isolation and Purification of Organic Compounds Objective Question

Question

In column chromatography, which type of compound elutes first when using a nonpolar solvent (e.g., hexane) on a silica gel column?
Options
A The most polar compound
B The least polar compound
Correct Answer
C The compound with highest molecular weight
D The compound with lowest molecular weight
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

On a polar stationary phase (silica gel), nonpolar compounds have less affinity for the stationary phase and elute first with a nonpolar solvent. Polar compounds are retained longer.

Hint

Like elutes with like; nonpolar elutes first.

Question Info