Thin layer chromatography of a mixture shows the following observation.

The correct order of elution in the silica gel column chromatography is

1.  TLC Plate (Retention Factor)

• On a standard silica gel TLC plate, the stationary phase (silica) is polar, and the solvent (mobile phase) is non-polar/less polar.
• More polar compounds stick strongly to the silica and travel a shorter distance (lower spot).
• Less polar compounds move easily with the solvent and travel a longer distance (higher spot).

Looking at the heights of the spots on your TLC plate:

• A travelled the highest hence Least polar
• C travelled to the middle hence Moderately polar
• B stayed the lowest hence Most polar

2. Column Chromatography Elution Order

Column chromatography works on the exact same principle, but the compounds drain out from the bottom of the column one by one (elute):

• The least polar compound interacts the least with the silica gel and rushes out first.
• The most polar compound binds tightly to the silica gel and comes out last.

Therefore, the order of elution from first to last is:

A,C ,B

Correct Answer:

Option C: A, C, B