Pharmaceutical Analysis Lab - Thin Layer Chromatography

We did this chromatography lab session on the 28 July 2005...

Chromatography is a method of separation in which the components to be separated are distributed between two phases, the stationary and the mobile phase.

First, we are given a Chromatogram sheet (20 x 20 cm).

These are the two types of developing chamber that we are using. Both containing developing solvent which is propanol : water (70 : 30 v/v). The solvent is made sure to be in a saturated condition by applying filter paper on the sides of the chamber (done by the lab assistant).

We are doing chromatography on two substance, amino acids and colour dyes. The colour dyes were spotted on the chromatogram sheet.

This is how the spots of different dyes look like.

The chromatogram sheet is developing in the chamber.

Hairdryer is used to evaporate the solvent.

Finally its done! I would say its not a very good separation. =p

For the amino acids compounds, Ninhydrin sprays is used to make the compound visible. Amino acids is not visible in the chromatogram sheet.

Separation of amino acids.