Question

Which is the correct statement regarding the relative Rf values of the starting methyl benzoate vs the product, methyl m-nitrobenzoate on a silica gel TLC plate. The product has a higher Rf value on a silica gel TLC plate because it is less polar than the starting methyl benzoate. The product has a lower Rf value on a silica gel TLC plate because it is less polar than the starting methyl benzoate. The product has a higher Rf value on a silica gel TLC plate because it is more polar than the starting methyl benzoate. The product has a lower Rf value on a silica gel TLC plate because it is more polar than the starting methyl benzoate. 1.5 points QUESTION 2 Methyl benzoate is more reactive than benzene in Electrophilic Aromatic Substition [EAS] reactions. True False 1 points QUESTION 3 Methyl m-nitrobenzoate is less reactive than methyl benzoate in Electrophilic Aromatic Substition [EAS] reactions. True False

Answer 1

Answer:

1. The product has a higher Rf value on a silica gel TLC plate because it is more polar than the starting methyl benzoate.

2. False

3. True

Explanation:

In chromatography, there is a stationary phase and a mobile phase. The ratio of the distance moved by a component and the distance moved by the solvent gives the retention factor (Rf).

Since silica gel is a polar solvent, it will retain the more polar product methyl m-nitrobenzoate compared to the methyl benzoate starting material.

In comparing the electrophillic aromatic substitution of m-nitrobenzoate  and methyl benzoate, we must remember that the presence of electron withdrawing groups (such as -NO2 and -CHO) on the aromatic compound deactivates the compound towards electrophillic aromatic substitution hence, methyl m-nitrobenzoate is less reactive than methyl benzoate in Electrophilic Aromatic Substition and Methyl benzoate is less reactive than benzene in Electrophilic Aromatic Substition