What will the Rf values of the reactant and product indicate on a TLC plate?

The statement that the reactant will have a larger Rf value than the product can be understood through the principles of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and the factors that influence Rf values. In TLC, the Rf value (retention factor) is determined by the relative polarity of the compounds as they travel up the stationary phase (the TLC plate) with the mobile phase (the solvent).

In this case, it's common for a reactant to be more polar than the product, particularly if the reactant contains functional groups that are capable of forming strong intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds. As the compound moves up the plate, more polar compounds tend to interact strongly with the stationary phase, resulting in slower movement and consequently lower Rf values. Conversely, less polar products have weaker interactions with the stationary phase, allowing them to travel further and thus possess higher Rf values.

If the product formed from the reaction is less polar than the original reactant, it will indeed display a higher Rf value, indicating it traveled further up the plate. The polar reactant, maintaining stronger interactions with the stationary phase, will typically have a lower Rf value.

As a result, comparing the Rf values provides insight into the polarities of