Stationary Phases for Planar Separations — Plates for Modern TLC

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a most flexible and versatile chromatographic technique and therefore remains an indispensable tool for many applications. Applications range from monitoring of chemical reactions, comparison of fractions, and preparative separations to qualitative analyses such as identification of raw materials, tests for adulterations, and detection of biological activity to demanding quantitative determinations including assays, impurity profiling, and cleaning validation. In addition to traditional TLC plate development in an enclosed tank, there are also gradient and even forced flow techniques now available. The variety of stationary phases for planar separations is quite large, and it would be difficult to cover the subject comprehensively in this column. Therefore, in the present coverage, we will focus o­nly o­n TLC plates used in the state-of-the-art qualitative and quantitative high-performance separations. For a more general approach, we recommend the corresponding chapters of the books edited by Sherma (1) and Nyiredy (2). Previous issues of LCGC have covered various aspects of modern TLC (3–7). This present contribution will serve to bring readers up to date o­n the latest developments in stationary phases.

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