Chemistry: Comparing the Rf values of carotene and lycopene?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the comparison of Rf values between beta-carotene and lycopene during Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) using a silica plate and a (3:10) dichloromethane:hexane solvent. Beta-carotene exhibits a higher Rf value than lycopene due to its lower polarity, which results in greater solubility in the TLC solvent and reduced adsorption to the stationary phase. The structural differences, particularly the presence of rings in beta-carotene, contribute to its solubility characteristics, although predicting solubility and partition coefficients remains complex.

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  • Understanding of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) techniques
  • Knowledge of polarity and solubility concepts
  • Familiarity with beta-carotene and lycopene chemical structures
  • Basic principles of partition coefficients
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  • Research the structural differences between beta-carotene and lycopene
  • Study the principles of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) in detail
  • Explore the effects of solvent polarity on chromatography results
  • Investigate partition coefficients and their role in chromatography
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Chemists, biochemists, and students studying chromatography and the behavior of carotenoids in separation techniques.

madgab89
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Comparing the Rf values of carotene and lycopene?
Why does carotene have a higher Rf value than lycopene in TLC chromatography with a silica plate and a solvent of (3:10) dicholormethane:hexane?

I know it's because carotene is less polar making it more soluble in the TLC solvent and adsorbing less to the stationary phase, what I'm wondering is, what is it about the structure of beta-carotene compared to lycopene that makes this happen?

There are rings on either end of carotene, I know this.. I'm just wondering how this relates?
 
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Your answer is about as good as it’s going to get. Solubility and partition coefficients into and out of mobile phase vs stationary phase are very difficult to predict for individual cases, and lycopene and carotene are both quite non polar.
 

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