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Thin layer chromatography (TLC)

Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), also called planar chromatography are based on a multistage distribution process involving

Suitable adsorbents (the stationary phase) coated as a thin layer onto a suitable support / backing (e.g., glass plate, polyester or aluminum sheet)
Solvents or solvent mixtures (the mobile phase or eluent)
Sample molecules (analytes)

Today TLC has gained increasing importance as an analytical separation technique, which is probably due to effects of instrumentation and automation. At the same time the applicability of thin layer chromatography was enhanced by development of new adsorbents and backings. MACHEREY-NAGEL offers a versatile range of ready-to-use layers, which are the result of 50 years of continuous research and development.

Features of modern TLC / HPTLC

The success of thin layer chromatography as a highly efficient microanalytical separation method is based on a large number of advantageous properties:

High sample throughput in a short time
Suitable for screening tests
Pilot procedure for HPLC and Flash chromatography
After separation the analytical information can be stored for a longer period of time (the TLC ready-to-use layer acts as storage medium for data)
Separated substances can be subjected to subsequent analytical procedures (e.g., IR, MS) at a later date
Rapid and cost-efficient optimization of the separation due to easy change of mobile and stationary phase

Thin layer chromatography