Market Profile: Thin Layer Chromatography

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a planar chromatographic technique introduced in the 1950s as a fast, easy and inexpensive method for qualitative analysis. Just as with column chromatography, the chemistry and size of the particles (as well as the thickness of the layer) affects the speed and nature of the separations that are possible. After the sample is applied near one edge, the plate is developed by dipping the edge into solvent and allowing the separation to take place. Once the process nears completion, the plate is dried and various methods can be used to derive qualitative and quantitative measurements from the plate. These methods include densitometry, fluorometry and even mass spectrometry.

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