Thin Layer Chromatography Technology

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is a solid-liquid adsorption chromatography technology. The sample is separated between the sorbent (stationary phase) and the solvent (mobile phase) on a thin layer plate. When the mobile phase moves up, the sample goes through several desorption and adsorption processes, and finally achieves the purpose of separation according to the different adsorption power. Experiments are carried out on sheets of aluminum foil, plastic, or glass coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material. Commonly used materials are alumina, cellulose, or silica gel. Thin Layer Chromatography can be used on an analytical scale as a means to monitor the progress of a reaction or on a preparative scale to purify small amounts of compounds.

Retention Factor Value (Rf): To quantify the results, the distance traveled by the sample being considered is divided by the total distance traveled by the mobile phase, this ratio is called the retardation factor (Rf), or sometimes colloquially the retention factor. Rf values can be used to identify compounds because they are unique to each compound. When comparing two different compounds under the same conditions, the compound with a higher Rf value is less polar because it does not stick to the stationary phase like a polar compound and therefore has a lower Rf value.

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of thin layer chromatography principle.

• Mark
  Make thin marks on the bottom of the plate with a pencil and apply sample spots. Apply the sample solution to the marked spots.
• Development
  Pour the mobile phase into the TLC chamber, place the plate into the TLC chamber, and close the lid. Immerse the plate for development.
• Observation
  Once the spots are developed, remove the plate and let it dry. Sample spots can be observed under UV light irradiation.

• Simple and convenient: no need for a precision gas chromatograph analysis instrument.
• Fast expansion rate: only 15 ~ 20 minutes.
• High resolution: 10 ~ 100 times higher than the previous paper chromatography technology.
• Wide application range: suitable for the separation of only 0.01μg sample, and the separation of more than 500mg sample for preparation.
• Easy color development: corrosive color development agents such as concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid can be used.

• Food and nutrition: qualitative and quantitative analysis of nutrients and harmful substances such as protein, amino acids, sugars, oils and fats, vitamins, food coloring, residual pesticides, carcinogenic aflatoxin, etc.
• Drugs and drug metabolism: separation and analysis of drugs and metabolites, quality control of drugs, and inspection of impurities.
• Chemistry and chemicals: analysis of organic raw materials and products in chemical fields.
• Medical and clinical: early diagnosis of pregnancy.
• Toxic analysis and forensic chemistry: analysis of narcotics, barbiturates, hashish, opium alkaloids, etc.
• Pesticides: pesticide analysis and its residue analysis.

Thin Layer Chromatography

Thin layer chromatography is performed on a sheet or plate (about 0.25mm thick) of glass, aluminum foil or plastic which is coated with a thin layer of solid adsorbent material. We have a large selection of TLC related products to meet your experimental needs.

Pipettes and Pipette Tips

Pipette is a measuring tool that moves liquid from the original container to another container within a certain range. It is widely used in clinical diagnostic laboratories, biotechnology laboratories, pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories, environmental laboratories, and food laboratories. We provide a variety of pipettes for you to choose to use in a variety of experimental research.

Chromatography Syringes

Syringes and syringe accessories for use with autosamplers, injectors, mass spectrometers, and other chromatography systems. We understand that choosing the right chromatography syringes can be critical to getting accurate results. That’s why you’ll find a large selection of chromatography syringes, including reusable glass, all-polypropylene, 3-part disposable syringes and more.

Thin-layer plate

We offer an extensive portfolio, which includes: conventional TLC plates for manual use, HPTLC plates for high-performance thin-layer chromatography, MS-grade TLC and HPTLC plates for perfect combination to Mass spectrometry, PLC plates for easy adaptation to preparative scale, and specialty plates for special needs.

TLC Spray Box

The reagent/chemical spraying on the TLC plates are generally carried out inside a fume hood or commercially available TLC spray cabinet with blower and exhaust hose. The TLC plate can be placed supported upright or on a paper inside the spray box. Spraying the box ensures complete removal of reagent mist.

STEMart provides you with a variety of thin-layer chromatography technology equipment to help you quickly and efficiently separate and analyze to meet your various R&D and application needs. If you have any questions or requirements for chromatography equipment, please feel free to contact us.