On the Application of Ethyl Acetate in Thin Layer Chromatography
Thin layer chromatography, the method of precipitates is also widely used in various fields because of its convenience and high efficiency. In the operation of thin layer chromatography, the choice of solvent is the key, and ethyl acetate is often preferred because of three.

First, ethyl acetate has a suitable polarity. Thin layer chromatography depends on the difference in the distribution of solute between the stationary phase and the mobile phase. The polarity of the mobile phase is related to the speed and distance of the solute movement. Ethyl acetate has a moderate polarity, which can enable a variety of compounds to be properly separated on the plate. If the polarity of the solute is high, the polarity of the mobile phase should also be increased accordingly to promote its movement; if the polarity of the solute is low, a mobile phase with lower polarity is required. Ethyl acetate is in between, and can be adapted to a variety of stationary phases, so that compounds of different polarities can be separated in an orderly manner and clearly presented on the plate.

Second, ethyl acetate has good solubility. In thin-layer chromatography, the sample needs to be dissolved to spot. Ethyl acetate has good solubility to a variety of organic compounds, which can ensure that the sample is uniformly dispersed in the mobile phase, and then moves uniformly. And its volatilization rate is suitable, and the solvent can be volatilized in a timely manner after spotting, leaving the sample at the origin, and preventing the spot diffusion caused by solvent residue, so that the separation effect is excellent.

Furthermore, the properties of ethyl acetate are stable and safe. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, and under conventional conditions, it does not react adversely with the sample, stationary phase and other reagents, ensuring the accuracy of the analytical results. Compared with other organic solvents, ethyl acetate has lower toxicity, moderate volatility, less harm to the experimental environment, and meets the requirements of experimental safety.

In summary, ethyl acetate occupies an important position in thin-layer chromatography due to its suitable polarity, good solubility, stable properties and safety. It is a mobile phase solvent commonly used by experimenters to assist in efficient and quasi-separation and analysis of compounds.