2. In the following sets of compounds, which would have the smallest Rf on silica gel? Use a sentence to explain your reasoning.
a. Benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate
b. Aniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, naphthalene
c. Benzophenone, Biphenyl, Benzoic acid

Question

2. In the following sets of compounds, which would have the smallest Rf on silica gel? Use a sentence to explain your reasoning. 
a. Benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate 
b. Aniline, N,N-dimethylaniline, naphthalene
c. Benzophenone, Biphenyl, Benzoic acid

anonymous · Answer

The most non-polar substance will interact the least with the polar silica gel, and therefore travel the farthest (exhibiting the greatest Rf value). By contrast, the compound furnishing the smallest Rf value, would be the most polar substance (the substance of which traveled the least).

I believe this is correct...