Which one of the following techniques is not used to spot components of a mixture separated on thin layer chromatographic plate?
- (A) (Solid)
- (B)U.V. Light
- (C)Visualisation agent as a component of mobile phase✓ Correct
- (D)Spraying of an appropriate reagent
Answer: (C)
Solution
In thin-layer chromatography (TLC), after separation, spots are visualized using:
A visualization agent as a component of the mobile phase is NOT used. The mobile phase is the solvent system that carries compounds up the plate during separation; visualization agents are applied after separation, not mixed into the mobile phase.
Therefore, option (C) is not a technique used for spotting components.
- Iodine vapor ( solid): sublimes and adsorbs onto organic compounds, making them visible as brown spots.
- UV light: many compounds fluoresce or absorb UV, allowing visualization on fluorescent TLC plates.
- Spraying reagents: specific chemical reagents (e.g., ninhydrin for amino acids, for charring) are sprayed to develop colored spots.
A visualization agent as a component of the mobile phase is NOT used. The mobile phase is the solvent system that carries compounds up the plate during separation; visualization agents are applied after separation, not mixed into the mobile phase.
Therefore, option (C) is not a technique used for spotting components.
JEE Main · 2022 · 28 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Single correct option