Which solvent should be used for a TLC of diesel?

Question

Also, where can I look to find the expected Rf value for this solute in the solvent you suggested. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Diesel is not one substance, it is fractional distillate of crude oil. As such it will not have only one band on a TLC plate but a number of bands corresponding to each of the substituants. I would use either hexane or toluene as the main solvent and experiment with small quantities of more polar substances to give you the best spread. The aromatics may need some dichloromethane to make them move.