Thin-layer chromatography
Technique used to separate non-volatile mixtures / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a chromatography technique that separates components in non-volatile mixtures.[1]
Acronym | TLC |
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Classification | Chromatography |
Other techniques | |
Related |
It is performed on a TLC plate made up of a non-reactive solid coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material.[2] This is called the stationary phase.[2] The sample is deposited on the plate, which is eluted with a solvent or solvent mixture known as the mobile phase (or eluent).[3] This solvent then moves up the plate via capillary action.[4] As with all chromatography, some compounds are more attracted to the mobile phase, while others are more attracted to the stationary phase.[5] Therefore, different compounds move up the TLC plate at different speeds and become separated.[6] To visualize colourless compounds, the plate is viewed under UV light or is stained.[7] Testing different stationary and mobile phases is often necessary to obtain well-defined and separated spots.[citation needed]
TLC is quick, simple, and gives high sensitivity for a relatively low cost.[5] It can monitor reaction progress, identify compounds in a mixture, determine purity, or purify small amounts of compound.[5]