Aldehydes, detection paper chromatography

The amino group is readily dia2oti2ed in aqueous solution, and this reaction forms a basis for the assay of sulfas. Aldehydes also react to form anils, and the yellow product formed with 4-(dimethylamino)hen2a1dehyde can be used for detection in thiu-layer and paper chromatography. Chromatographic retention values have been deterrnined in a number of thiu layer systems, and have been used as an expression of the lipophilic character of sulfonamides (23). These values have corresponded well with Hansch lipophilic parameters determined in an isobutyl alcohol—water system. 

The reaction of carbohydrates with ethylenediamine sulfate produces a stable fluorescence with excitation at 394 nm and emission at 470 nm. The reaction is specific for aldehydes and aliphatic polyhydroxyl compounds. It is used for the spray detection of carbohydrates separated by paper chromatography [109]. 

Hydroxamic acid gives a strong color with ferric chloride. This reaction is suitable for the detection of aldehydes in the presence of ketones. Aromatic / -hydroxyaldehydes, / -aminobenzaldehyde, vanillin, / -dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, and aliphatic aldehydes with a hydroxy group in the y-position do not react. A positive reaction is observed with benzyl ketones in strongly alkaline media. It is necessary, therefore, to keep the mixture distinctly but not excessively alkaline. This reaction can be utilized for the separation of aldehydes from their mixture with ketones by converting the acid to its insoluble copper salt. Paper chromatography can be used for the identification of aldehydes in mixtures (41). 

Diphenylacetyl-l,3-indandione-l-hydrazone, first prepared by Braun and Mosher [143], reacts readily with carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes and ketones in weakly acidic media. The derivatives are separated by paper or thin-layer chromatography [144]. The derivatives are excited at 400-415 nm and emit at ca. 525 nm. The limit of detection is 2 ng per spot. 

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