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Chemistry Forums for Students => Analytical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: insertwittyname on December 19, 2014, 12:47:55 AM

Title: Silica gel in iodine jar for tlc
Post by: insertwittyname on December 19, 2014, 12:47:55 AM

Why do we need silica gel in the iodine jar to develop a tlc?  My guess is that it has to do something with absorbing?!

Title: Re: Silica gel in iodine jar for tlc
Post by: Dan on December 19, 2014, 03:31:46 AM

You don't need the silica, but the plate will develop faster with the silica in there.

Hint: Surface area