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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
2007
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February
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In the Laboratory
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The Microscale Laboratory
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Isolation of Three Components from Spearmint Oil: An Exercise in Column and Thin-Layer Chromatography
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Don R. Davies and Todd M. Johnson
Department of Chemistry, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408
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February 2007
Vol. 84 No. 2
p. 318
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| Abstract |
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Three major components of spearmint oil, (+)-limonene, L-(−)-carvone, and (1R,2R,4R)-dihydrocarveol, are separated by silica gel column chromatography. The separation is monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), with IR analysis employed to verify the identity of the separated components. Spearmint oil was chosen because it is relatively nontoxic and the separation and analysis involves colorless components. Since most organic compounds are colorless liquids, this experiment gives students a more authentic laboratory experience in separations technology than experiments involving colored mixtures or compounds that are easily crystallized. In addition, students are required to use indirect visualization methods on a TLC plate to detect the major components of the original mixture and determine the success of the column chromatographic separation.
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| Supplement |
A detailed student lab procedure, including pre- and post-lab questions, and notes for the instructor are available.
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| More Information |
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Citation |
Davies, Don R.; Johnson, Todd M. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 318.
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Keywords |
Chirality / Optical Activity; Chromatography; Laboratory Instruction; Microscale Lab; Natural Products; Separation Science; Thin Layer Chromatography
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
1/9/2007
2/23/2007
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 Caution! | | Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations. |
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