The thin-layer chromatographic behavior on silica and alumina of polystyrene (PS-H), hydroxyl- terminated polystyrene (PS-OH), and carboxylic acid terminated polystyrene (PS-COOH) as a function of molecular weight is reported. Functionalized samples below a critical molecular weight, which depends on elution solvent, exhibit lower Rf values than PS-H samples of the same molecular weight. Above this value, similar elution behavior is observed. The data describe molecular weight regimes in which and solvent conditions under which functionalized polymers adsorb through specific interaction between the functional group and the surface. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.