A Thin Layer Chromatography Prelaboratory Activity Using a 3D-Printed Model to Address Student Misconceptions about Polarity and Intermolecular Forces

Normal phase thin layer chromatography is a widely taught technique in undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory courses. To understand how the technique works, students must have a strong conceptual understanding of polarity and intermolecular forces. Unfortunately, many students have misconceptions regarding how polarity and intermolecular forces affect the separation of compounds via thin layer chromatography. This work aimed to address these misconceptions by designing and implementing a prelaboratory activity using a 3D-printed model of a TLC plate. Data from pre- and postactivity surveys suggest the activity has a positive impact on student understanding, and student perceptions of the activity are overwhelmingly positive.