Preparative layer chromatography sample application

The method used for application of sample solutions is determined by whether HPTLC, TLC, or preparative layer chromatography (PLC) and qualitative or quantitative analysis are being performed. Sample volumes of 0.5-5 pi for TLC and 0.1-1 pi for HPTLC are applied manually to the layer origin as spots using fixed volume glass micropipets, such as Drummond Microcaps or selectable volume 10 or 25 pi digital microdispensers. In addition, many manual and automated instruments are available for sample application, especially for quantitative HPTLC. 

Sample application, 20-23 application of spots, 20-21 choice of sample solvent, 20 formation of bands, 21-22 for preparative layer chromatography, 22-23 Sample preparation, 9-16 cleanup of extracts by column chromatognqrhy, 11 cleanup of extracts by solvent partitioning, 10-11 deproteinization, 18 derivatization, 18 desalting procedures, 14-15 direct application of sample solutions or extracts, 9-10... 

Preparative layer chromatography (PLC) is carried out on thicker layers with application of larger weights and volumes of sample to separate and recover from 10 to 1000 mg of compounds for further analysis. " ... 

The optimization of preparative and even micropreparative chromatography depends on the choice of an appropriate chromatographic system (adsorbent and eluent), sample application and development mode to ensure high purity, and yield of desirable compounds isolated from the layer. For the so-called difficult separations, it is necessary to perform rechromatography by using a system with a different selectivity. But it should be taken into account that achievement of satisfactory results frequently depends on a compromise between yield and the purity of the mixture component that is being isolated. 

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), sometimes also called planar chromatography, employ a stationary phase immobilized on a glass or plastic plate and an organic mobile phase. It is a rather old technique whose application in residue analysis has been limited in the past by poor chromatographic resolution, inadequate selectivity, and insufficient sensitivity (49). This was due to inherent problems in the quality of the available stationary phase materials and in the uniformity of the layers prepared. Today, the availability of affordable, precoated plates with acceptable performance and consistency has led to the general acceptance of TLC as an efficient procedure for residue analysis (50). The method is used preferentially when analysts must process large numbers of samples in a short period of time (51). 

Taylor and co-workers further demonstrated the value of open-access LC/MS systems for generating a widened scope of pharmaceutical analysis applications, including (1) characterization of synthetic intermediates and target compounds (2) reaction monitoring (3) reaction optimization (4) analysis of preparative HPLC fractions and (5) analysis of thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate spots. The availability of these methods led to the increased use of LC/MS for structural analysis. The short analysis time and reliable structure confirmation resulted in the use of LC/MS as a first choice for structure characterization for synthetic chemistry applications, as well as an expanded, and perhaps, integrated role of sample generator and analyst. 

The separation and identification of natural dyes from wool fibers using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromotog-raphy (HPLC) were performed on a C-18 column. Two isocratic four-solvent systems were developed on the basis of the Snyder solvent-selectivity triangle concept (1) 10% acetonitrile, 4% alcohol, and 2% tetrahydrofuran in 0.01 M acetic acid and (2)7% acetonitrile, 8% alcohol, and 5% tetrahydrofuran in 0.01 M acetic acid. Samples were also eluted in 30% acetonitrile. Spot tests and thin-layer chromatography were performed on all samples to confirm HPLC results. The systems also were found to be potentially useful in the identification of early synthetic dyes. A system of sample preparation that minimizes the reaction of samples was discussed. The application of this HPLC separation technique to samples from 20th century Caucasian rugs and American samples unearthed from the foundation of Mission San Jose was examined. 

A skilled laboratory assistant can apply 20 samples in < 10 min. The scanning, however, is done more and more automatically. Janchen56) demonstrates, how much time is consumed by the various analysis steps and how much of this time is taken up by the laboratory assistant when sample application and measurement are performed automatically. When 33 samples are analyzed twice he gives a total analysis time of 148 min, of which 30 min are the assistant s time, that is 1 min for 1 sample. This does not include the time for sample preparation, as the latter is dependent on the type of sample. In general, sample preparation requires less time in thin-layer chromatography than in other kinds of chromatography. 

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