Question: Each of the solvents given should effectively separate one of following mixtures by TLC. Match the appropriate solvent with the mixture that you would expect to separate well with that solvent. Select your solvent from the following: hexane, methylene chloride, or acetone.

A. 2-Phenylethanol and acetophenone.
B. Bromobenzene and p-xylene
C. Benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid

My answer: Hexane is nonpolar, acetone is polar, and methylene chloride is a solvent of intermediate polarity so the best solvents are:
A. Acetone
B. Hexane
C. Methylene chloride

Hopefully I got the polarities right. Please check these.

Thanks from Sheryl

These look ok to me BUT you should definitely get a second opinion. It all depends upon assigning polarities to the three solvents and to the mixtures correctly.

To determine the appropriate solvent for each mixture, you need to consider the polarity of both the solvent and the mixture components. Here's how you can approach it:

1. Begin by determining the polarity of each solvent:
- Hexane is a nonpolar solvent.
- Acetone is a polar solvent.
- Methylene chloride is a solvent of intermediate polarity.

2. Next, consider the polarity of each mixture component:
A. 2-Phenylethanol and acetophenone:
- 2-Phenylethanol is a polar compound due to the hydroxyl group.
- Acetophenone is a polar compound due to the carbonyl group.

B. Bromobenzene and p-xylene:
- Bromobenzene is a nonpolar compound.
- p-xylene is a nonpolar compound.

C. Benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid:
- Benzoic acid is a polar compound due to the carboxyl group.
- 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid is a polar compound due to the nitro groups.
- 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid is a polar compound due to the nitro groups.

3. Finally, match the appropriate solvent to the mixture:
- For A, the best solvent is acetone, as it is polar and will likely dissolve both 2-phenylethanol and acetophenone well.
- For B, the best solvent is hexane, as it is nonpolar and will likely dissolve bromobenzene and p-xylene well.
- For C, the best solvent is methylene chloride, as it is of intermediate polarity and can dissolve polar compounds like benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid.

It's always a good idea to double-check your answers with someone who is knowledgeable in the subject or consult any provided resources to confirm your reasoning.