Each of the solvents given should effectively separate of the following mixtures by TLC. Match the appropriate solvent with the mixture that you would expect to separate well with the 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

See my response to O-chem below.

A.) Use methylene chloride for the TLC with 2 - phenylethanol and acetophenone.

B.) Use Hexane for the bromobenzene and p-xylene.

C.) and acetone for benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid.

methylene chloride for the TLC with 2 - phenylethanol and acetophenone

Hexane for the bromobenzene and p-xylene
acetone for benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid.

To determine the appropriate solvent for TLC separation, we need to consider the polarity of the compounds in the mixture and the polarity of the solvents. TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) is a method used to separate and identify compounds based on their different attraction to the stationary phase (silica gel or alumina) and the mobile phase (solvent).

In general, for effective separation in TLC, we want the solvent to have a polarity similar to the compounds being separated. Compounds with similar polarity will have similar interactions with the stationary phase, resulting in different migration rates and distinct spots on the TLC plate.

Let's analyze each of the mixtures and determine the best solvent:

(a) 2-phenylethanol and acetophenone:
Both 2-phenylethanol and acetophenone are relatively polar compounds due to the presence of functional groups (alcohol and ketone, respectively). To separate these compounds, a moderately polar solvent would be suitable. Acetone is a polar solvent and is likely to provide effective separation.

(b) Bromobenzene and p-xylene:
Bromobenzene and p-xylene are relatively non-polar compounds. Non-polar solvents are typically used to separate non-polar compounds. Hexane is a non-polar solvent and would be suitable for separating these compounds.

(c) Benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid:
Benzoic acid, 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, and 2,4,6-trinitrobenzoic acid are polar compounds due to the presence of carboxylic acid and nitro groups. To separate these compounds effectively, a polar solvent is required. Methylene chloride is a relatively polar solvent and would be a good choice for this mixture.

In summary, the appropriate solvents for each mixture are:
(a) Acetone
(b) Hexane
(c) Methylene chloride