Thin Layer Chromatography Plates: Components and Benefits
We generally consider chromatography in terms of columns or capillaries. Still, separation can also be carried out through thin layer chromatography (TLC) or TLC plates because of their planar surface. We use the chromatography method to separate different molecular mixtures based on their mobility property. One of the most fundamental and largely used versions of chromatography is thin layer chromatography.
Although there are numerous types of chromatography, mostly with two standard components, naming:
Stationary Phase: As the name implies, this phase is fixed. Usually, this phase is a piece of plastic, aluminum, or glass coated with a minimum layer of absorbent material like silica gel, which enables the mobile phase to separate the compound mixture in the stationary phase.
Mobile Phase: Mobile phase is also known as the solvent, which is used to carry substances from the stationary or fixed phase.
The migration of the molecular mixtures in the compound relies heavily on the polarities of the TLC plate, the solvent, and the mixture itself. Generally, TLC plates have a higher degree of polarity, and the molecular mixtures and solvents have low polarity.
Advantages of TLC
Time-Saving
One of the best advantages of thin layer chromatography is its time-saving property. For instance: traditional paper chromatography takes a daylong time to give results. However, TLC is quite robust and gives you the results in almost half an hour.
Use of Minimum Equipment
TLC requires minimum equipment for completing any TLC procedure like a TLC plate, TLC chamber, chamber, and fume cupboard.
Large Samples at a Time
As it is a fast and robust technique, an additional advantage is to run a large number of samples with a single plate at a time.
Boost Accuracy
It is a susceptible technique that offers more accuracy to the results.
Complete Picture of Mixture
It offers the complete count of the components involved in the sample. For instance, if there are eight components in a sample, the appearance of a total of 8 parts indicates their presence.
Rigid Support
TLC plates possess a rigid support system in their basic design as well because their absorbents are coated into plates rather than papers in paper chromatography.
Bear High-Temperature
Another great advantage of TLC is they can withstand when a higher temperature is required to develop spots. Its high-temperature bearing capacity gives an edge to TLC over other chromatography techniques.
Cost-Efficient
It is a cost-efficient way of chromatography because multiple samples can run in TLC at a time to separate mixtures with high precision. Thus, it is economical for labs and institutes with less funds.
Promotes Automation
A massive range of instruments are available commercially for TLC offers automation for the procedure. The automation facilities are autosamplers, documentation systems, cameras for capturing pictures and recording of the separations.
Multiple Absorbent Choices
Last but not least, it gives a good choice of absorbents to be covered in the TLC plate ranging from solid, liquid to fluorescent absorbents.
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