Why does glucose have a lower rf value than fructose?

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    Glucose Rf Value
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SUMMARY

Fructose exhibits a higher RF value than glucose on a TLC plate due to differences in molecular interactions with the stationary phase, despite having identical molecular formulas. The structural variations between these isomers significantly influence their behavior during chromatography. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective separation techniques in analytical chemistry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic knowledge of chromatography techniques, specifically Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).
  • Understanding of isomerism, particularly structural isomers like glucose and fructose.
  • Familiarity with molecular interactions and their impact on separation methods.
  • Knowledge of stationary phase materials used in TLC.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and its applications.
  • Study the structural differences between glucose and fructose in detail.
  • Explore the role of stationary phases in chromatography and how they affect separation.
  • Learn about other types of chromatography and their comparative efficiencies.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, analytical chemists, and professionals involved in separation techniques and molecular analysis will benefit from this discussion.

DespicableMe
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Even though their molecular formulas are the same? Fructose is an isomer of glucose and they are both cyclic and have 5 carbons so I was wondering why fructose was higher on the TLC plate than glucose.
Thank you.
 
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It is not about molecular formulas, it is about interactions between the molecule and the stationary phase. These interactions are extremely sensitive to the molecule structure, which is why chromatography is so efficient as a separation method.
 

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