What solvent system will be used for developing the TLC plate?

The use of ethyl acetate and ammonium hydroxide as a solvent system in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is based on the principles of polarity and the need for an effective separation between different components in a mixture.

Ethyl acetate is a moderately polar solvent that can dissolve a variety of organic compounds, while ammonium hydroxide can increase the overall polarity of the solvent mixture. This combination is particularly effective for separating compounds that vary significantly in their polarities, such as those encountered in organic synthesis or purification processes. The presence of ammonium hydroxide can also enhance the interaction of some analytes with the stationary phase of the TLC plate, resulting in better separation and resolution.

In contrast, the other solvent systems listed are either less effective for the type of compounds typically being separated in organic chemistry or may not provide the optimal balance of polarity needed for good resolution in TLC. Consequently, ethyl acetate combined with ammonium hydroxide is often chosen to ensure better separation in the context of organic laboratory techniques.