Solvents at disposal:

Hexanes, Toluene, dichloromethane, diethyl, ethyl acetate, methanol, water, acetic acid

From the solvents, choose a single solvent that would give the best chance of separating benzophenone, diphenyl methanol and biphenyl using TLC on silica gel. Explain reasoning behind the choice. (phenyl groups are fairly non-polar)

The Best-used Solvent is Hexane.

Explanation:

In the given solvents -

Hexanes, Toulene, and dichloromethane have lesser eluting power. Diethyl ether and Ethyl acetate have medium eluting power. Methanol, water, and acetic acid have very little eluting power. Greater is the eluting power of the solvent lesser is the amount to be added. For solvents like Diethyl ether and Ethyl acetate have to be added in the percentage of 1% - 50% in addition to the solvent of higher eluting power. Hexanes and Toulene are often used in TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography ) as a Base. The reason behind this is they are non-polar compounds. The best-used solvent is Hexane.