Separation and Identification of Oxidized Terpenoids by Thin‐Layer Chromatography

Abstract

A simple, fast and sensitive thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method for analysis of the oxidation of geranylacetone and several related compounds is reported. This method can be used to monitor chemical and biochemical reactions. Visualization of the spots on silica get under different conditions allows distinguishing either between different epoxides or between epoxides and allylic alcohols and therefore enables the quite rapid screening of oxygenases with different regio- and chemoselectivity. While spray reagents like potassium permanganate or Fast Blue RR Salt are able to detect both, epoxides and alcohols, ultra violet scanning at 254 nm is appropriate only for detection of allylic alcohols.

Keywords:

• Thin‐layer chromatography
• geranylacetone
• nerylacetone
• potassium permanganate
• ultra‐violet light

Generous financial support by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 706), the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst des Landes Baden‐Württemberg and the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie is gratefully acknowledged.