From Paper to Planar: 60 Years of Thin Layer Chromatography

Abstract

The chromatographic techniques using a flat stationary phase and capillary forces to move the mobile phase appeared centuries ago. The paper stationary phase evolved in silica layers on flat surface. The history of 60 years of planar chromatography is told following the evolution of the technique and focusing on the detection modes. The research prototypes are described as well as commercially available equipment. The author concludes by revealing his view of the future of the technique.

Keywords:

• Planar chromatography
• thin layer chromatography
• coupling with mass spectrometry

Acknowledgments

AMS is greatly indebted to P. Bernard‐Savary for fruitful discussions and providing figures from Camag and N. Bryson for providing figures from Bionisis. Both are to be thanked for valuable suggestions.