Chromatography and Analytical Techniques

Thin-layer Chromatography

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a chromatography technique used to separate non-volatile mixtures. Thin-layer chromatography is performed on a sheet of an inert substrate such as glass, plastic, or aluminum foil, which is coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material, usually silica gel, aluminum oxide (alumina), or cellulose. This layer of adsorbent is known as the stationary phase.

Thin-layer chromatography can be used to monitor the progress of a reaction, identify compounds present in a given mixture, and determine the purity of a substance. Specific examples of these applications include: analyzing ceramists and fatty acids, detection of pesticides or insecticides in food and water, analyzing the dye composition of fibers in forensics, as saying the radiochemical purity of radiopharmaceuticals, or identification of medicinal plants and their constituents