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About This Simulation
Discover the intermolecular interactions involved in Thin Layer Chromatography. Utilize this newfound knowledge to assemble, run, and analyze a TLC experiment to monitor the progress of a reaction.
Learning Objectives
- Assemble, run, and analyze your own TLC experiment
- Understand the key principles of Thin Layer Chromatography and how the mobile and stationary phases interact with a sample to enable separation
- Monitor the progress of a reaction via TLC
- Quantify and interpret the spots on a complete TLC plate
- Measure migration distances and use them to determine the Rf values of different compounds of interest
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Related Standards
Learn More About This Simulation
Explore the interactions involved in Thin Layer Chromatography
Dr. One has been experimenting. In the Lab you can observe the separation of pigments in a spinach leaf, but how did they achieve this? Welcome to the world of Thin Layer Chromatography! Using a solvent, a stationary phase, a sample, and some time, you will be able to separate the components of a mixture. Learn about the interactions by taking a visit to the world's largest TLC plate (awaiting official certification), and zoom into the stationary phase to observe how TLC separates a sample.
Determine the mobile phase through trial and error
After you have explored the interactions, it is time to determine the mobile phase solvent ratio for your own TLC plate. Trial combinations of different solvents to separate compounds with different polarities, until you have found the perfect mobile phase to separate the molecules of interest. The joys of a virtual lab means you get instant feedback, and don’t have to wait for several TLC plates to develop.
Monitor the progress of a reaction via TLC and analyze the results
Once you have calculated the correct solvent ratio, it’s time to get to work. Assemble and run your own TLC experiment to monitor the progress of a reaction. Select the appropriate apparatus, experiment with how to handle and place the plate, and correctly spot the sample onto the stationary phase. Will you be able to successfully remove the plate from the chamber at the right time? After you have run the experiment, move onto analyzing your TLC plate under UV light, determining when the reaction has gone to completion. The virtual lab saves time again, with rapid results! Then you will cap it all off by measuring the distance the spots have moved to calculate the Rf value. Will you be able to successfully analyze your results and figure out at what time the reaction completed?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.