Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Thin Layer Chromatography: Separate a mixture and monitor a reaction's progress Virtual Lab

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.

Try NowTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

Higher Education

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Read Case Studies
Blue Arrow Right
 
Thin Layer Chromatography: Separate a mixture and monitor a reaction's progress

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?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • 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

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with customizable quizzes

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Thin Layer Chromatography: Separate a mixture and monitor a reaction's progress" simulation?
What is the simulated Chemistry scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Chemistry labs does Labster offer?