I read a paper on malachite green separation using TLC method that, i assume was, describing pretreatment of silica gel with chloroform. The exact word used was "Metabolite formation was examined by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using silica gel activated in the chloroform". I've attached the related paper. I would like to read your insight on this matter. Thanks in advance!
What it probably means is they ran the TLC plate in chloroform first, without any sample, and allowed it to dry. They then ran the plate in n-propanol: ethyl acetate: acetic acid: distilled water (6:1:1:2 v/v). The chloroform (or other solvents) adsorb on the surface of the silica, and they found this modification improved the chromatography.
TLC activation means to give the activation period for TLC plate over a period of time, choosing the plate as a medium of run and not the other. This includes specific procedures in consideration to chloroform. However of a specific quality of the TLC plate.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Phytochemistry
- Extracts