thin layer chromatography

Indications: - identification of different substances in a specimen (analytic) - separation of different compounds in purification & isolation Procedure: - performed on a sheet of glass or plastic coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material, - abosorbant materials include a) silica gel b) aluminium oxide c) cellulose - the layer of adsorbent is the stationary phase - the sample is applied near the edge of the plate (bottom) - a solvent or solvent mixture (mobile phase) is drawn up the plate via capillary action - different compounds in the sample ascend at different rates, thus separation is achieved

References

- Wikipedia: Thin layer chromatography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_layer_chromatography