What solvent system is typically used for TLC analysis in this context?

The choice of 25% ethyl acetate and 75% hexanes as a solvent system for thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is effective because it provides a balanced polarity that allows for optimal separation of compounds based on their polarity. Ethyl acetate is a moderately polar solvent, while hexanes are non-polar. The combination in this ratio creates a solvent system that can adequately interact with both polar and non-polar compounds, facilitating their movement up the TLC plate effectively.

This specific ratio enhances the solubility of a variety of organic compounds, allowing more polar substances to migrate further than the non-polar ones, hence allowing for a better resolution between different compounds. Since TLC is often used to monitor the progress of reactions or the purity of compounds, having a solvent system like this one is crucial for achieving clear and interpretable results.

In contrast, the other options either lean too heavily towards non-polar components or are inappropriate for most organic compound separations used in a laboratory setting. A higher concentration of hexanes would likely result in insufficient separation for more polar compounds, while using 100% hexanes would provide little to no interaction with polar substances. The option of 10% ethyl acetate and 90% water presents an entirely different