Thin-layer chromatography: simple methods for complex analysis

Thin-layer chromatography: simple methods for complex analysis
Thin-layer chromatography: simple methods for complex analysis

Video: Thin-layer chromatography: simple methods for complex analysis

Video: Thin-layer chromatography: simple methods for complex analysis
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Thin-layer chromatography occupies a leading position in the quantitative and semi-quantitative analysis of complex pharmaceutical, natural, biomedical, technological, chemical and many other substances. Thin layer chromatography is also the most accessible method for mass analysis of almost any class of substances.

Thin layer chromatography
Thin layer chromatography

This method of separation and analysis of multicomponent systems is widely used in laboratories of various specifics and directions: sanitary and epidemiological, veterinary, agrochemical, research, forensic, as well as at plant protection stations, in standardization centers and bureaus of forensic medical expertise.

The main advantages of thin layer chromatography based on the movement of the eluent (solvent of the analyte) in the sorbent layer due to the so-called capillary forces,are the simplicity and ease of the chromatographic process, the high degree of accuracy of the analysis and the relatively low cost of the necessary equipment.

Liquid chromatography
Liquid chromatography

Thin-layer chromatography, having a high degree of sensitivity (low detection threshold) and selectivity, allows you to determine 10-20 μg of substances with an accuracy of up to 7%, which is a very high indicator. Thin layer chromatography can be of adsorption and distribution types. The first option has the widest application.

The essence of the thin-layer chromatography method is the movement of the solvent of the substance in the sorbent layer and the spatial distribution of different components depending on their individual characteristics and properties. The fact is that molecules of different composition and structure are sorbed (deposited) on the solid surface of a chromatographic plate in different ways. Therefore, complex multicomponent systems are gradually divided into separate components.

Moving at different speeds along the sorbent layer, separate, already separated, components form a chromatogram. Each color spot corresponds to a specific chemical. At the same time, colorless substances are illuminated with ultraviolet light, under the influence of which many compounds begin to fluoresce, or they are treated with a special coloring reagent.

Gas-liquid chromatography
Gas-liquid chromatography

Among modern analytical methods, gas-liquid chromatography stands out. This separation and analysis methodis characterized by the use of a special non-volatile liquid as a sorbent, which wets the powdered ceramic material. And various inert gases are used here as a driving medium. This method is most effective for studying complex mixtures containing hundreds of different components.

Another modern method for studying the composition of complex substances is liquid chromatography. The principal feature of this method is the separation of individual components by using differences in their distribution between the mobile (eluent) and stationary (sorbent) phases. This method is most often used in the analysis of various organic compounds (food additives, pesticides, various toxins, etc.). Also, this method of chromatographic research is used to control the quality of pharmacological preparations, determine the content of steroids in biological fluids, amino acid analysis and other things.

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