DISPLACEMENT THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract

Thin-layer chromatography has several advantages in comparison to column chromatography, e.g., simultaneous separation of several samples, easy realization of two-dimensional separation, direct observation of both the chromatographic development and the separation using colored compounds, sensitive and easy detection of the spots with specific spray reagents. The entire procedure, i.e., loading, development, and evaluation are relatively simple. An additional feature is the optimization possibilities of mobile phase flow velocity, based on the complexity of driving force where capillarity results in a concave flow profile that may be counterbalanced by convex profile of laminar flow. Displacement thin-layer chromatography has the advantages of planar arrangement of the stationary phase, and opens new possibilities for analytical separations.

This paper outlines basic features of planar displacement chromatography, including differences from elution chro-matography, and that of column displacement chromatography, the possibility of using spacer displacement chromatography. Parameters limiting displacement chromatography, and their optimization to achieve better separation are discussed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project was financially supported by the grant Nos. T023370 and T025412 of Otka, Budapest, Hungary. The authors thank Prof. J. M. Varga (University of Innsbruck, Austria) for his advice. Present affiliation for T. Csermely: Clinics of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Army Hospital, Budapest, Hungary.