Attenuated Total Reflectance as an Alternative of Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Detection in the Identification of Compounds Separated by Thin Layer Chromatography

Abstract

Diffuse Reflectance (DRIFT) and Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) are infrared sampling methods, based on the detection of infrared radiation reflected by the sample. They are widely used in surface analysis and are both capable of detecting small amounts of organic compounds. DRIFT is a well known on‐layer method for the identification of analytes, separated on thin layers. In the present work, the possibility of using a diamond ATR unit to collect IR spectra of sample spots was examined.

Keywords:

• Diffuse Reflectance
• Attenuated Total Reflectance
• Thin‐layer chromatography
• Detection