Identifying an Unknown Analgesic by

Melting Temperature and

Thin-Layer Chromatography
Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is an important technique in organic chemistry. TLC uses the
different affinity a compound has between the mobile and stationary phases to achieve separation
of mixtures of organic compounds. TLC can also be used to identify compounds by comparison
with known samples, check the relative purity of a compound, and monitor the progress of a
reaction.
In thin-layer chromatography, the stationary phase is the adsorbent (usually silica or alumina)
coated on a sheet of glass, metal, or plastic. The sample is applied as a spot near the bottom of the
plate. The TLC plate is then placed in a developing chamber containing a shallow layer of solvent
where the mobile phase (solvent) slowly rises by capillary action.
Under a given set of conditions, a specific compound will travel a fixed unique distance relative to
the solvent front. Different compounds generally move at different rates. As a result, if the sample
is a mixture of compounds it will separate into a series of spots at varying distances up the plate
(see Figure 1). If the sample is pure, then only one spot will result. A UV light source is used to
visualize the spots on the TLC plate. Under UV light, the chemical deposits will appear as dark
spots against a bright background.
TLC separation results are expressed in terms of Rf (retention factor) values. The Rf is a ratio
calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the sample by the distance traveled by the solvent
at the end of the experiment.

Figure 1 Example TLC plate at the end of the experiment.

In this experiment, TLC and melting temperature will be used to identify the active ingredients in
an unknown over-the-counter medicine tablet. The tablet you will test contains one or more of the
following: acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), caffeine
(ingredient in Excedrin), and/or ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil). The structures of
these compounds are shown here.

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HO

HN

CH3
H3C

CH3
N

O
O
CH3

CH3

OH
O

H3C

OH

H3C
CH3

Acetylsalicylic acid
(aspirin)

Acetaminophen

Caffeine

Ibuprofen

Figure 2 Structures of analgesics

OBJECTIVES
In this experiment, you will

Calculated the Rf values of acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, caffeine, and

ibuprofen.

Determine the melting temperature of each of these analgesics.

Identify the solvent system for good separation.

Use TLC and melting temperature to identify your unknown analgesic.

MATERIALS
Part I Thin-Layer Chromatography

acetaminophen in ethyl acetate

acetylsalicylic acid in ethyl acetate
caffeine in ethyl acetate
ibuprofen in ethyl acetate
three TLC plates (5 10 cm)
three 400 mL beakers
three 9 cm watch glasses
cotton plug
disposable Pasteur pipets and bulb
pencil

10 mL graduated cylinder
UV lamp (shortwave)
ethyl acetate
hexane
spotting capillary tubes
five 10 75 mm test tubes
test tube rack
unknown sample
mortar and pestle
filter paper

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Identifying an Unknown Analgesic by Melting Temperature and Thin-Layer

Chromatography
ruler
Parts II and III Melting Temperature

LabQuest or computer interface

LabQuest App or Logger Pro
Vernier Melt Station
glass capillary tubes, one end closed
tissues (preferably lint-free)
mortar and pestle

acetaminophen
acetylsalicylic acid
caffeine
ibuprofen
unknown sample

PROCEDURE
Part I Thin-Layer Chromatography

1. Obtain and wear goggles. Protect your arms and hands by wearing a long-sleeve lab coat and
gloves. Conduct this reaction in a fume hood
2. Obtain your unknown analgesic sample and dissolve approximately 50 mg in 2 mL of ethyl
acetate. Filter the solution through a pipet containing a cotton plug into a test tube.
3. Transfer approximately 12 mL of each pure compound to test tubes. Be sure to label each
test tube. Solutions of the pure compounds will be available in an ethyl acetate solution.
4. Prepare three development chambers using the 400 mL beakers and watch glasses.
a. Label the chambers 13. These will contain ethyl acetate, hexane, and
1:1 ethyl acetate/hexane, respectively.
b. Place a piece of filter paper against the side of the beaker. The filter paper will help
saturate the beaker with solvent vapors.
c. Fill each beaker with 510 mL of the developing solvent and cover with the watch glass.
5. Prepare the TLC plates.
a. Obtain three TLC plates and number the plates 13. Handle them carefully and by the
edges so that the adsorbent does not flake off.
b. Using a pencil (NOT an ink pen), lightly draw a line across the plate, approximately 1 cm
from the bottom. Across this line, evenly mark five places indicating the location where the
sample will be spotted, making sure they are not too close to the edge of the plate (see
Figure 1). Do this for all three TLC plates.
c.
Under each mark, lightly label each spot starting left to right as Ac, As, C, I, and
U. Repeat this step on the other TLC plates.
d.
Take a spotting tube and dip one end into the ethyl acetate solution containing
acetaminophen. Capillary action will draw the liquid into the tube.
e.
Lightly tap the tube on the mark for acetaminophen on all three TLC plates. Only a
small amount of sample needs to be delivered. The spot should be 12 mm in diameter.
f.
Repeat Steps de for the aspirin, caffeine, ibuprofen, and unknown sample on all
three TLC plates.
6. Place each of the TLC plate in the chamber and cover with the watch glass. The solvent level
must not be above the spots on the plate or your samples will dissolve into the solvent.

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7. When the solvent has risen to within 1 cm from the top of the plate, remove the plate from the
chamber and with a pencil, gently draw a line to mark the position of the final solvent front.
8. After the plate has dried, observe the TLC plate under a UV lamp. Lightly outline the spots
with the pencil. CAUTION: Do not allow skin or eyes to come in contact with UV light.
Wear gloves, a lab coat, and UV resistant eye protection.
9. Identify the solvent mixture that gave the best separation and use that TLC plate to calculate
the Rf value for each spot. Record the values in your data table.

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Identifying an Unknown Analgesic by Melting Temperature and Thin-Layer

Chromatography
Part II Test the Melting Temperature of Analgesic Standards

10. Obtain a small amount of acetaminophen. The solid should be in a powdered form. If it is
not, use a mortar and pestle to carefully grind the solid to a powder.
11. Prepare a sample for melting:
a. Pack a capillary tube 34 mm (~1/8 inch) deep with your sample by inserting the open end
into a small pile of the solid. A small amount of the solid will be pushed up into the tube.
b. Tap the closed end of the capillary tube on the table top to compress the sample into the
closed end.
c. Check the control knob on the Melt Station to confirm that it is in the Off position.
d. Carefully insert the capillary tube of solid into one of the sample holders of the Melt
Station.
12. Connect the Melt Station power supply to a powered electrical outlet.
13. Connect the Melt Station sensor cable to LabQuest or to a computer interface.
14. Start the data-collection program, then choose New from the File menu. You are now set
up to take melting temperature data for up to 20 minutes.
15. Use the prepared sample in a capillary tube to determine the melting temperature of the
sample.
a. Start data collection.
b. On the Melt Station, turn the control knob to the Rapid Heat setting.
c. Carefully observe the temperature vs. time graph. When the temperature is within
approximately 10C of the lowest possible melting temperature of your sample, turn the
control knob to a temperature setting corresponding to the expected melting temperature
provided in the table below.
Analgesic

Melting temperature range

(C)

acetaminophen

168172

acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

134136

caffeine
ibuprofen

234236.5
7778

d. Carefully observe your sample. When the solid begins to melt, click Mark to mark the
temperature on your graph (or press the D key on the computer or the OK button on
LabQuest). When the entire solid has completely melted, click Mark again. The two values
marked on your graph describe the estimated melting temperature range of your substance.
When you are finished with this step, stop data collection.
e. Store the run by tapping the File Cabinet icon in LabQuest, or choosing Store Latest Run
from the Experiment menu in Logger Pro.
f. Discard the capillary tube and sample as directed by your instructor.
g. On the Melt Station, turn the control knob to the Fan/Cooling setting to get ready for the
next trial.

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16. Prepare a new sample as described in Steps 1011 and repeat Step 15 for samples of
aspirin, caffeine, and ibuprofen.
Part III Test the Melting Temperature of Unknown Sample

17. Obtain a small amount of your unknown analgesic compound. The solid should be in a
powdered form. If it is not, use a mortar and pestle to carefully grind the solid to a powder.
18. Prepare a sample for melting:
a. Pack a capillary tube 34 mm (~1/8 inch) deep with your sample by inserting the open end
into a small pile of the solid. A small amount of the solid will be pushed up into the tube.
b. Tap the closed end of the capillary tube on the table top to compress the sample.
c. Carefully place the capillary tube of solid into one of the sample holders of the Melt
Station.
19. In the first trial, you will want to observe the melting process and make a rough estimate
of the melting temperature of your unknown sample. Dont worry if the heating rate is a bit
too rapid, and the sample melts too quickly. To do this:
a. Start data collection.
b. On the Melt Station, turn the control knob to a setting of 180C. The red light will turn on
indicating active heating.
c. Carefully observe your sample. If the solid begins to melt, click Mark to mark the
temperature on your graph. When the entire solid has completely melted, click Mark again.
The two values marked on your graph describe the estimated melting temperature range of
your substance.
d. If the solid does not melt by the time the temperature gets to 150C, turn the control knob
to the 220C setting. Continue observing your sample, and if the sample begins to melt,
mark the temperatures on the graph as previously described.
e. If the sample has not melted by the time the temperature gets to 190C, turn the knob to
the Rapid Heat setting. When the sample finally begins to melt, mark the graph as
previously indicated.
f. When you have determined the approximate melting temperature range for the sample,
stop data collection. Store the run by tapping the File Cabinet icon in LabQuest, or
choosing Store Latest Run from the Experiment menu in Logger Pro. Discard the capillary
tube and sample as directed by your instructor.
g. On the Melt Station, turn the control knob to the Fan/Cooling setting to get ready for the
next trial. The blue light will turn on indicating that the fan is cooling the Melt Station.
20. Now that you have a rough idea of the melting temperature, a more accurate
determination of the melting temperature can be made. Use a previously prepared sample in a
capillary tube, as described in Steps 1718, to determine the melting temperature of the
sample:
a. Start data collection.
b. On the Melt Station, turn the control knob to the Rapid Heat setting.
c. Carefully observe the temperature vs. time graph. When the temperature is within
approximately 10C of the lowest possible melting temperature of your sample, turn the
control knob to a temperature setting corresponding to your expected melting temperature.
d. Carefully observe your sample. When the solid begins to melt, click Mark to mark the
temperature on your graph. When the entire solid has completely melted, click Mark again.

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Identifying an Unknown Analgesic by Melting Temperature and Thin-Layer

Chromatography
The two values marked on your graph describe the estimated melting temperature range of
your substance. When you are finished with this step, stop data collection.
e. Store the run.
f. Discard the capillary tube and sample as directed by your instructor.
g. On the Melt Station, turn the control knob to the Fan/Cooling setting to get ready for the
next trial.
21. Repeat Step 20 until you have determined the melting temperature range of the unknown
solid. Record the range in the data table.
22. At the end of the experiment, turn the control knob on the Melt Station to Off.

DATA TABLE
Part I Thin-Layer Chromatography
Solvent mixture that gave
the best separation
Calculated Rf
acetaminophen
acetylsalicylic acid
caffeine
ibuprofen
unknown
Part II Melting Temperature of Analgesic Standards
Measured melting
temperature range
(C)
acetaminophen
acetylsalicylic acid
caffeine
ibuprofen
Part III Melting Temperature of Unknown Sample
Measured melting
temperature range
(C)
unknown analgesic

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DATA ANALYSIS
1. Draw your TLC plate. Label each analgesic and show the calculation of the Rf value.
2. Based on your melting temperature data and the Rf value of the unknown, identify your
unknown analgesic.

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Identifying an Unknown Analgesic by Melting Temperature and Thin-Layer

Chromatography

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
1. Use a low intensity, shortwave UV lamp to examine the TLC plates.
2. Prepare the acetaminophen standard solution by dissolving 0.20 g per 25 mL of ethyl acetate.
3

Prepare the acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) standard solution by dissolving 0.25 g per 25 mL of
ethyl acetate.

4. Prepare the caffeine standard solution by dissolving 0.25 g per 25 mL of ethyl acetate.
5. Prepare the ibuprofen standard solution by dissolving 0.25 g per 25 mL of ethyl acetate.
6. Crush tablets of Tylenol, Excedrin, Bayer, and Advil using a mortar and pestle. Choose
one as an unknown and distribute to each student or group.
7. The medicine tablets will not completely dissolve in ethyl acetate.
8. Prepare the 1:1 ethyl acetate/hexane solution by adding an equal volume of ethyl acetate and
hexane.
9. Some tailing may be seen on the TLC plate for the acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) sample.
10. Small changes in the development solvent mixture can result in varying Rf values. Do not
let the developing chambers remain out for a long period of time.
11. Use TLC plates with a fluorescent indicator at a 254 nm excitation wavelength.
12. For best results, keep unused TLC plates in a desiccator.
13. Dispose of waste appropriately.

HAZARD ALERTS
Ethyl Acetate: Serious fire hazard (flash point 3.0C). Irritating to body tissues. Severe eye
irritant. Avoid all body tissue contact. Slightly toxic by ingestion. Vapor causes weakness, fatigue,
nausea and headache. Skin contact causes dermatitis. HMIS Classification: Health hazard2,
Flammability3, Physical hazard1.
Hexane: Serious fire hazard (flash point 23C). Severe eye and skin irritant. Moderately toxic by
ingestion. Vapor causes weakness, fatigue, nausea and headache. HMIS Classification: Health
hazard2, Flammability3, Physical hazard0.
Acetaminophen: May be harmful if inhaled and cause respiratory tract irritation. Moderately toxic
by ingestion. Skin and eye irritant. HMIS Classification: Health hazard2, Flammability0,
Physical hazard0.
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin): May cause respiratory tract irritation. Skin and eye irritant.
Moderately toxic by ingestion. HMIS Classification: Health hazard2, Flammability1, Physical
hazard0.

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Caffeine: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Skin and eye irritant. Moderately toxic by
ingestion. HMIS Classification: Health hazard2, Flammability0, Physical hazard0.
Ibuprofen: May cause respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. Moderately toxic by ingestion.
HMIS Classification: Health hazard1, Flammability0, Physical hazard0.
The hazard information reference is Sigma-Aldrich Co.,
1-800-325-3010, www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center/msds-search.html.
UV light: Protect your arms and hands by wearing a long-sleeve lab coat and gloves. Wear
appropriate eye protection. Contacts and normal eyeglasses do not provide protection. Acute
(short-term) effects include redness or ulceration of the skin. At high levels of exposure, these
burns can be serious.

COMPOUND INFORMATION
Compound
acetaminophen
acetylsalicylic acid
caffeine
ibuprofen

Compound
ethyl acetate
hexane (mixture of
isomers)

10

Chemical formula

Melting temperature
range (C)

Molar mass (g/mol)

C8H9NO2

168172

151.16

C9H8O4

134136

180.16

C8H10N4O2

234236.5

194.19

C13H18O2

7778

203.28

Chemical formula

Molar mass
(g/mol)

Density
(g/mL) at 25C

C4H8O2

88.11

0.902

C6H14

86.18

0.672

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Identifying an Unknown Analgesic by Melting Temperature and Thin-Layer

Chromatography

SAMPLE RESULTS

Melting temperature graph of acetaminophen

Melting temperature graph of acetylsalicylic acid

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Melting temperature graph of caffeine

Melting temperature graph of ibuprofen

12

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