Thin-Layer

Chromatography
TLC, HPTLC, TLC-MS, PLC
and Accessories
Consistency is our standard

The life science business

of Merck operates as
MilliporeSigma in the
U.S. and Canada.
 Content
Key Applications
Sucralose in Food.................................................................................................... 4
Lactose in Milk with HPTLC-MS.................................................................................. 5
UV Filters in Sun Cream using HPTLC-MS.................................................................... 6
Identification Test for Atenolol and Chlorthalidone in Tablets following............................ 7
European Pharmacopeia Monograph on Silica Gel 60 G F254 Plates
Piperine in Black Pepper........................................................................................... 8

General Information
Backing / Support.................................................................................................... 9
Format/ Plate Dimension.........................................................................................10
Multiformat Plates..................................................................................................10
Adsorbents / Layers................................................................................................11
Layer Thickness.....................................................................................................11
Binder...................................................................................................................11
Indicators..............................................................................................................11
TLC and HPTLC plates with Concentrating Zone...........................................................12
GLP Plates.............................................................................................................12
Practical Tips and Tricks in TLC.................................................................................13

Ordering Information
Classical Silica Plates for TLC....................................................................................15
TLC Silica 60 G Plates with Gypsum..........................................................................17
Modified Silica TLC Plates for Enhanced Selectivity......................................................18
Aluminum Oxide TLC Plates......................................................................................19
Kieselguhr and Mixed Layer Plates............................................................................19
Cellulose TLC and HPTLC Plates................................................................................20
High Performance Silica Plates (HPTLC).....................................................................21
ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Plates....................................................................................23
Modified Silica HPTLC Plates.....................................................................................24
LiChrospher® HPTLC Plates ......................................................................................25
TLC and HPTLC MS-grade Plates...............................................................................26
PLC Plates for Separations from Milligrams to Grams...................................................28
Multiformat Plates..................................................................................................29
TLC Adsorbents......................................................................................................29
TLC Accessories......................................................................................................30

2
Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC)
Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a fast, easy-to-use, Typical application fields for TLC include
and highly versatile separation technique for organic synthesis as well as fast identity
qualitative and quantitative analysis, it is ideal for rapid testing in quality control.
identification of ingredients, screening and reaction
monitoring. Its high matrix tolerance and the possibility In addition, TLC is an efficient tool for:
to separate many samples in parallel makes TLC highly
cost-efficient. In addition, multiple detection methods • Rapid analysis of ingredients in matrix-rich samples
including visualization (derivatizations) and hyphenation (e.g. QC in food or cosmetics)
to Mass Spectrometry (MS) enables a safe and precise
• Fast screening of very complex samples (e.g. herbs
identification of known and unknown compounds.
or nutrition such as phytopharmaceuticals
or forensics)
Some benefits of TLC:
• A complementary method to verify correct results
• Disposable plates ensure simplified (e.g. cross-checking HPLC-results in pharmaceutical
sample preparation drug development or cosmetics)
• Direct visualization of results by UV or derivatization • Rapid and high throughput pre-screening prior
• Analysis of many samples under identical to HPLC
conditions simultaneously
Furthermore TLC/HPTLC is well suited for:
• Easy two-dimensional separations
• Full quantification of results using
• Suitable for many applications, such as screening, instrumental TLC/HPTLC
rapid identity tests in drug synthesis, monitoring
and easy upscaling for flash and preparative • Sample preparation for HPLC and other
chromatography, and for quantitative analysis. analytical methods

• Couple to MS or bioassays • Combination with mass spectrometry

• 2-dimensional chromatography
• Selective identification of compounds including
biological activities

With our Company’s extensive history,

expertise, and know-how, we are the market
leaders of highest quality, reliable TLC &
HPTLC plates and accessories. Our high-
quality products have set standards of
performance and utility. We are committed
to quality providing exquisite accuracy. Every
time. Besides, we make continuous attempts
in having a sustainable production process.
We are glad to offer you our new quality
plates, with significantly improved surface
homogeneity and robustness.

Visit SigmaAldrich.com/tlc
for further information.

Production at Headquaters in
Darmstadt, Germany.

3
Key Applications
Simple and Quick
Sucralose in Food
In food analysis, we are often interested in only one or a few
target compounds. But these compounds are present in many
different samples, requiring different pre-treatments for their
quantitative analysis. TLC is an ideal method for rapid quantification
of one or few target compounds from complex and matrix-rich
samples of different nature. The target compound needs only to be
clearly separated from all matrix of the sample and quantified using
a standard compound.
For the quantification of sucralose from different food samples,
HPTLC was used without post-chromatographic derivatization. Forty-
six chromatographic runs were performed in 40 minutes, with a
separation time per sample of less than 1 minute.

Application data Ordering information

Plate HPTLC Silica gel 60 NH2 F254 (20x10 cm) Description Cat. No.
Sample preparation The cake and biscuit samples HPTLC Silica gel 60 NH2 F254 MS-grade, 20x10 cm 1.13192.0001
were extracted with 70% aqueous
Chromatography

Acetonitrile - gradient grade for liquid 1.00030

methanol.
chromatography LiChrosolv® Reag. Ph Eur
Sample application ATS 4 sample applicator (Camag),
Water for chromatography (LC-MS Grade) LiChrosolv® 1.15333
6 mm bandwidth
Application volume 2-4 µL
Mobile phase Acetonitrile / Water 17:3 (v/v)
Migration distance 5 cm
Migration time 1.8 min / 2.8 min
Documentation equipment DigiStore2 (Camag)
Detection

Wavelength scan under UV-light at 366/>400

nm with TLC scanner 3 (Camag)
Staining none

G. Morlock, M. Vega, J. Planar Chromatogr. 20 (2007) 411-417

4 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Fast and sensitive
Lactose in Milk with HPTLC-MS
Food intolerances are of increasing importance. In particular, lactose
intolerance has recently gained a lot of attention not only in Asian
countries, but also in Europe and North America.
Foodstuff with a lactose content of less than 100 mg/100 g could be
labeled as “lactose-free”. Traditionally, an analysis is carried out using
photometric measurements in single cuvettes, or in 96-well plates by using
an enzymatic test kit.
HPTLC coupled to MS enables a much simpler and faster identification and
quantification. Lactose in different samples like milk, yoghurt and an instant
sauce can be analyzed in parallel without complex sample preparation.

Application data Ordering information

Plate HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 MS-grade, Description Cat. No.
20x10 cm
HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 MS-grade, 20x10 cm 1.00934
Sample preparation Milk: 2 x 5 min centrifuged, then 1mL
diluted in 50 mL water Acetonitrile hypergrade for LC-MS LiChrosolv ®
1.00029
Trifluoroacetic acid for spectroscopy Uvasol® 1.08262
Yoghurt: 1 g diluted in 10 mL water,
afterwards 1 x centrifuged rpm = 6000 Diphenylamine for synthesis 8.20528
Chromatography

Instant sauce: sauce cooked as directed, Aniline for analysis EMSURE® 1.01261
1 g sauce diluted in 10 mL water,
Ortho-Phosphoric acid  for analysis EMSURE® 1.00573
afterwards 1 x 5 min centrifuged
Sample application ATS 4 sample applicator (Camag), 6 mm
bandwidth
Application volume 0.1 - 4 µL
Mobile phase Acetonitrile / Water 3/1 (v/v) + 0.1%
Trifluoroacetic acid
Migration distance 5 cm
Migration time 12 min
Extraction equipment “TLC-MS Interface” from Camag
Extraction

Extraction solvent Acetonitrile / Water 95/5 (v/v) + 0.1%

Formic acid
Extraction flow 0.2 mL/min
Chromatogram (derivatized with Aniline-di-phenylamine-phosphoric
Documentation TLC Visualizer (Camag) acid reagent) under white light.
equipment
Determinded Lactose values
Wavelength scan at white light
Detection

Organic fresh milk 4.68 g/100 g

Staining Aniline-diphenylamine-phosphoric acid
reagent heated 10 min at 120 °C UHT milk 4.36 g/100 g
Lactose free UHT milk < 100 mg/100 g
MS equipment single-quadrupole mass spectrometer
expression CMS (Advion) Instant sauce 1.64 g/100 g
MS detection ESI (+) mode (m/z 50 - 1200) Yoghurt 5.49 g/100 g
c/s 182,2
17E6
16E6
15E6
Lactose
In-source fragm
14E6
13E6 M = 342.3 g/mol
12E6
11E6 [M+Na]+
10E6
9E6 365,2 Mass spectrum of
8E6 406,1 [M+Na+ACN]+ lactose-zone from
7E6
6E6 yoghurt sample, eluted
5E6
4E6 directly from the TLC
3E6
2E6
plate
1E6
0E6 500 1.000

m/z
5
Robust and Accurate
UV Filter in Sun Cream using HPTLC-MS
Analytical verification of cosmetic products can be a challenging task.
Formulations like creams, balms or lotions are complex matrices for
chromatography, and so a quick and simple sample preparation with a
direct analysis method is appreciated. Thin-layer chromatography-mass
spectrometry (TLC-MS) is such an analytical technique which allows the
analysis of these complex samples with minimum sample preparation.

Application Data
Plate HPTLC RP-18 F254S MS-grade, 20x10 cm
Sample 1 g Sun Cream stirred in 10 mL 2-propanol, filtration
Chromatography

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
preparation
Sample application ATS 4 sample applicator (CAMAG) 6 mm bandwidth
Application volume 0.5 - 5 µl
Sun Cream 1
Mobile phase Methanol / Acetonitrile 9/1 (v/v) Sun Cream 2

Migration distance 5 cm
Migration time 11 min Eusolex® 9020 standard

Extraction "TLC-MS Interface" from CAMAG

Extraction

equipment
Extraction solvent Acetonitrile / Water 95/5 (v/v) + 0.1% Formic acid
Extraction flow 0.2 mL/min
Documentation Documentation unit Reprostar / Digistore (CAMAG)
equipment
Detection

Wavelength Scan under UV-light at 254 nm and 366 nm Fig. 2: Developed plate at 254 nm
Staining None
MS equipment ACQUITY Qda Detector, Single-Quadrupole Mass Chromatographic date
Spectrometer
Track Compound Concentration Application hRf Detected
MS detection ESI (+/-) mode MS (m/z 50-350) (mg/mL) volume mass
(µl) m/z
1-4 Eusolex® 0.1 2, 3, 4, 5 50 311.2
9020
Ordering information Standard
Description Cat. No. 5-7 Sun 0.1 0.5 50 311.2
HPTLC RP-18 F254S MS-grade, 20x10 cm 1.51161 Cream#1

Acetonitrile hypergrade for LC-MS LiChrosolv® 1.00029 8-10 Sun 0.1 0.5 50 311.2
Cream#2
2-Propanol gradient grade for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv ®
1.01040
Methanol for LC-MS LiChrosolv® 1.06035
Formic acid for analysis EMSURE® 1.00264
Water for chromatography (LC-MS Grade) LiChrosolv ®
1.15333
Millex®-FH filter, 0.45 um hydrophobic, 25 mm, non sterile SLFH025NS

0.296 Extracted
1.5x107

Eusolex® 9020 [M+Na]+

1.0x107
Intensity

[M+H]+ 311.2 333.3

M = 310.4 g/mol
5.0x106

0.0
210.00 220.00 230.00 240.00 250.00 260.00 270.00 280.00 290.00 300.00 310.00 320.00 330.00 340.00 350.00 360.00 370.00 380.00 390.00 400.00
m/z

Fig. 1: Mass spectrum and structure of Eusolex® 9020, recorded at hRf value of 50 at track 5.

6 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Meet Regulations in Pharma
Identification Test for
Atenolol and Chlorthalidone
in Tablets following European
Pharmacopeia Monograph

Atenolol is a selective β1 receptor antagonist, belonging This application note illustrates the suitable use of
to the group of beta blockers, a class of drugs used silica gel G F254 plates for the analysis of Atenolol
primarily in cardiovascular diseases. and Chlorthalidone in a combination drug following
the experimental conditions per the European
Chlorthalidone is a diuretic drug used to treat
Pharmacopeia identification TLC test for Atenolol
hypertension, originally marketed as Hygroton in the
(version 9.0).
USA. It is described as a thiazide diuretic, and is often
used in the management of hypertension and edema. Ordering information
Description Cat. No.
TLC Silica gel 60 G F254 20 x 20 mm, glass plate, Pk.25 1.00390
1-Butanol for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv® 1.01988
Ammonia solution 25% Suprapur ®
1.05428

Atenolol Chlorthalidone Methanol gradient grade for liquid chromatography 1.06007

LiChrosolv® Reag. Ph Eur.
Experimental Condition Atenolol European Pharmacopoeia (EP) A1340000
Reference Standard
TLC Plate Silica Gel 60 G F254, 20 x 20 cm
Atenolol Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; PHR1909
Application volume 5 µL of each solution
Certified Reference Material
Detection UV @ 254 nm
Chlorthalidone European Pharmacopoeia (EP) C1950000
Mobile phase 18 M Ammonia and n-butanol 30:150 (v/v) Reference Standard
Plate development Line the walls of chromatographic tank with
filter paper. Pour a sufficient quantity of mobile
phase into the chromatographic tank. Saturate
the chromatographic tank, replace the lid and
allow to stand at 20-25°C for 1 hr. Apply the
prescribed volume of the solutions in sufficiently
small portions to obtain bands at an appropriate
distance from the lower edge.
Migration distance 15 cm
Drying in air
Standard 1.0 % (w/v) of atenolol in 0.25 % (w/v) of
Chlorthalidone in methanol
Sample Remove any film coating on the tablet powder and
shake the quantity of powered tablet containing
0.1 g of atenolol with 10 mL of methanol for
15 minutes and filter.

TLC Plate Development

7
Regulated Method: Food & Beverage
Piperine in Black Pepper
Piperine is the active component of the spice black pepper, able to influence
drug metabolism.
With a regulated method, one must follow the monograph instead of keeping
the sample at the center of the decision making, so that it purely follows the
instructions in the monograph. In this application, we have chosen powdered
black pepper as an example, and have tested it according to the United
States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines (USP40-NF35).

Application data Featured Products

Plate HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 Description Cat. No.
(20x10 cm)
TLC & HPLC
Sample Add about 0.5 g of
preparation powdered black pepper HPLC glass plates Si 60 F254, 20 x 10 cm 1.05642
Chromatography

to 5 mL methanol, Purospher TM
STAR RP-18 endcapped (5 µm) Hibar RT 250-4.6
®
1.51456
sonicate for 10 minutes,
centrifuge, and use the Solvents & reagents
supernatant Ethyl acetate for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv® 1.00868
Sample ATS 4 sample applicator n-Hexane for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv ®
1.04391
application (Camag), 8 mm bandwidth
Water for chromatography (LC-MS Grade) LiChrosolv® 1.15333
Mobile n-Hexane / Ethylacetate
phase 5:3 Acetonitrile - gradient grade for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv®, Reag. Ph Eur 1.00030
Migration 5 cm Methanol - gradient grade for liquid chromatography LiChrosolv , Reag. Ph Eur
®
1.06007
distance
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous for HPLC LiChrosolv® 5.43841
Wave- scan under visible light,
ortho-Phosphoric acid 85% for HPLC LiChrosolv® 5.43828
length UV-light at 254 nm and
366 with TLC scanner 3 Filtration
Detection

(Camag)
Millex® syringe filter units, disposable, Durapore® PVDF, Pk. 1000 SLHVX13NK
Staining / A mixture of 17 mL of
Derivatiza- ice-cooled methanol, Standards
tion 2 mL of acetic acid, Piperine - United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Reference Standard, 20 mg 1.543200
1 mL of sulfuric acid and
0.1 mL of anisaldehyde Powdered Black Pepper Extract - United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Reference 1.509019
Standard, 1 g

• Track 1: 3 μL standard solution A, USP reference standard (RS) of • Track 4 & 5: 7 μL two different commercial pepper samples of the
0.9 mg/mL piperine in methanol. same concentration taken through the same sample preparation steps.
• Track 2: 3 μL standard solution B, a 2 mg/mL borneol standard (add about 0.5 g of powdered black pepper to 5 mL of methanol,
in methanol. sonicate for 10 minutes, and then use the supernatant).
• Track 3: 15 μL standard solution C, USP powdered black pepper
extract RS 5 mg/mL in methanol, sonicated, centrifuged, and the
supernatant is used.

Application Results bands in the chromatogram of Standard solution C

5. These bands include a dark green band of the same color and Rf as
1. Under 254 nm, the chromatogram of the sample solution exhibits
the piperine band in Standard solution A (Rf of about 0.15)
an intense quenching band at Rf of about 0.15 corresponding to the
piperine band in the chromatogram of standard solution A 6. A weak violet band at Rf of about 0.47 below the position of the band
due to borneol in Standard solution B
2. A quenching band at Rf of about 0.02
7. A greenish band in the lower part of the chromatogram at Rf of about
3. Three quenching bands of similar intensity equally spaced located
0.07
between
4. Under white light, the derivatized chromatogram of the sample
solution exhibits main bands similar in position and color to the main

8 Thin-Layer Chromatography
TLC Plates to Fit Your Needs
As the leading supplier of thin-layer chromatography consumables, we offer an extensive
portfolio of plates, reagents and accessories for TLC, preparative TLC, and high performance
TLC (HPTLC). In addition, we also offer special MS-grade TLC and HPTLC plates for a perfect
combination with mass spectrometry. Each of our high-quality product is setting new
standards in quality, performance and utility.

Pick your plate

Glass, aluminum or plastic? You have the choice with our classical silica TLC plates. Each is
available in a broad range of sizes from 20 x 20 cm down to 2.5 x 7.5 cm. They offer a layer
thickness of 250 μm for glass plates and 200 μm for aluminum or plastic, with a mean particle
size of 10 - 12 μm. Special plates with a thinner or thicker layer are available, ideal for TLC-MS
for example.

Plate Backing or Support

Classical silica TLC plates are available with glass, aluminum or plastic backings.
The flexible aluminum or plastic sheets can be easily cut with scissors to suit individual
separation requirements.

Support/Backing Advantages Disadvantages

Glass Rigid Fragile
Transparent Cannot be easily cut into desired size
Economical (reusable) Heavy – high transport costs
High chemical resistance Thick (>1.0 mm) – about 5x more shelf space than
aluminum or plastic-backed plates
Most commonly used support
Backing highly susceptible to breakage
Good heat stability for charring (potential safety issue)
Aluminum Foil Easy to handle/safe – resistant to breakage Backing is not reusable
Can be easily cut to desired dimensions with scissors Not as chemically resistant as glass to reagents such as
mineral acids and concentrated ammonia
Thin (~0.15 mm) – minimal storage space
Lightweight – lower shipping costs
Solvent resistance
Strong adsorbent layer adherence – good for use with
eluents containing high concentrations of water
Good heat stability
Can be stored in lab notebook
Plastic (Polyester – PET) Easy to handle/safe – resistant to breakage Backing is not reusable
Can be easily cut to desired dimensions with scissors Lower heat stability – charring must be done at lower
temperatures than with glass
Thin (~0.2 mm) – minimal storage space
Flexible – adsorbent layer may be more susceptible
Lightweight – lower shipping costs to cracking
Solvent resistance
Can be stored in lab notebook

9
Format and Plate Dimensions
TLC and HPTLC plates are available in several different dimensions. The plates dimension (size)
are given in cm (e.g., 20x20 cm). Here the first number indicates the plate width and the
second the plate length. The migration direction is indicated below:

Glass plates Aluminum sheets Plastic sheets

20x20 cm 10x20 cm 20 × 20 20 × 20 20 × 20
10 × 20 (TLC) 5 × 20 500 × 20
20 × 10 (HPTLC) 5 × 7.5
20x10 cm 10x10 cm 5 × 20 500 × 20
5 × 10
2.5 × 7.5

Multiformat Plates
Multiformat glass plates are pre-scored so that they How to use Multiformat TLC and HPTLC Plates
can be easily snapped by hand into smaller sizes.
The plates utilize the same proven silica gel coating
as the corresponding non-scored TLC or HPTLC plate,
delivering chromatograms of equally high-quality.
The number of possible plates depends on the scoring.
For example, for a 20 × 20 cm plate scored in sections
of 5 × 10, up to seven different formats are possible:
• 5 cm × 10 cm
• 5 cm × 20 cm
• 10 cm × 10 cm Note: To prevent the glass backing from breaking in an uncontrolled
and irregular manner, avoid putting plates directly on hot metal plates,
• 10 cm × 15 cm drying cabinets or plate heaters after development and/or staining.
When heat drying is necessary, please use distance holders of low
• 10 cm × 20 cm thermal conductivity between the glass and the hot metal plate, i.e.
glass rods or similar.
• 15 cm × 20 cm
• 20 cm × 20 cm

Features and Benefits

• Simply snap to desired sizes
• Same high-quality as classical non-scored TLC and
HPTLC plates
• Up to 7 formats in one plate

10 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Adsorbent / Layers
Our glass, aluminum foil and plastic PET (polyester) although slightly different, to silica is the second most
TLC and HPTLC plates are available with a variety common TLC sorbent.
of adsorbent coatings, with and without fluorescent
• Cellulose – available as either microcrystalline or
indicator.
fibrous cellulose. Spots are generally more compact
• Silica gel (unmodified, modified/bonded, chiral and when separated on layers of microcrystalline cellulose
high purity) is the most common TLC sorbent. than when separated on layers of fibrous cellulose.
• The pore size of the silical gel particles are usually • Kieselguhr is a natural diatomaceous earth that can
60 Angström. be used for the separation of polar or moderately
polar compounds.
• Aluminum oxide which exhibits similar selectivity,

Layer Thickness
The layer thickness of our glass TLC plates is enables a higher packing density and hence a smoother
250 μm, and 200 μm for aluminum or plastic, with a surface. Band diffusion is also reduced, producing very
mean particle size of 10–12 μm. compact sample bands or spots. These features and the
thinner layer (200 μm or 100 μm) ultimately leads to
For HPTLC, we use an optimized silica 60 sorbent
highly increased sensitivity and faster analysis.
with a significantly smaller particle size: just 5–6 μm
compared to 10–12 μm used for classical TLC. This

Binder
Polymeric (organic) binder: Gypsum:
Our unique binder technology ensures a uniform and Gypsum as a binder is recommended for TLC users
hard surface of the TLC plate that will not crack or blister. in QA/QC labs following older Ph. Eur. monograph
Traditional silica plates contain a polymeric (organic) methods, which require TLC plates with gypsum binder,
binder of high molecular weight acrylic acid polymers and who do not wish to switch to classical TLC plates
for the most rugged plates, making sample handling with organic binders. Our TLC silica gel 60 G plates are
and application easier. They also permit the use of best suited for this approach.
higher water content in the developing solvent. They are
Binder in cellulose plates: The binder we use for our
generally recommended for all TLC applications and in
cellulose plates is Carboxymethylcellulose.
many applications outstanding suitability with no negative
influence on the chromatographic result has been proven.

Indicators
We also provide two kinds of inorganic fluorescent
indicators for UV detection of colorless substances: the
green fluorescing F254 or the blue fluorescing, acid-stable
F254s, both of which fluoresce in UV light at an excitation
wavelength of 254 nm. Samples which absorb shortwave
UV at 254 nm are detected due to fluorescence
quenching. For superior identification of separated
substances, our exceptional high-fluorescent LuxPlates®
contain a higher amount of fluorescent indicator.
F254 LuxPlate® F254s

11
TLC and HPTLC Plates with Concentrating Zone
Quick and Easy Application of Large plates allow easy application of large volumes of diluted
Sample Volumes samples. The concentrating zone is 2.5 cm for our
analytical TLC and HPTLC plates, and 4 cm in length for
Our concentrating zone plates are based on the different our PLC plates.
properties of two silica adsorbents: an inert, large-
pore concentrating adsorbent where the samples are
Features and Benefits
applied; and a selective separation layer. Independent
of the shape, size or position of the spots, the sample • Quick and easy sample application
always concentrates within seconds as a narrow band
• Highly facilitated sample loading
at the interface of the two adsorbents. In addition,
the concentrating zone can serve as a clean-up step • Better resolution due to focused bands
for analytes in complex matrices, such as oils and
cosmetics. Suitable for TLC, HPTLC and PLC, these • Includes purification and concentration steps

Application Concentration Separation

GLP-Plates
With Individual Laser Coding for Secure Features and Benefits
Documentation • Convenient back tracing of article, batch, and
Based on our proven high-quality silica gel 60 individual plate number
production technology, the GLP plates deliver the
• Easy documentation and archiving of every plate
same unsurpassed separation performance as the
corresponding TLC or HPTLC plates. The only difference • Same reliable performance as TLC and HPTLC plates
is that each of our laser-coded GLP plates are marked manufactured
with an item, batch, and individual plate number.

This allows you to easily record and archive every

plate you use. Our GLP plates are available as TLC or
HPTLC grade in various formats, with or without the
fluorescence indicator F254, which is stimulated to green
emission at 254 nm.

12 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Practical Tips & Tricks
The TLC working principle Choice of stationary phases
Figure 1 illustrates the complete thin-layer chromatography The choice of the TLC stationary phase is very crucial,
process. It depicts numerous steps and the various as it determines the selectivity. There are a broad range
precautions to be considered. Since the gas phase also of options available such as silica, aluminum oxide or
influences the TLC process, it is a crucial pre-requisite to cellulose, modified or non-modified plates. The choice
maintain controlled gas and humidity conditions to obtain should be based on the properties of your sample and
reproducible and precise TLC performance results. The your application goals. Similar to HPLC, TLC also can
following figure shows some of the important aspects to be be run in two modes, normal and reversed phased. In
considered during different steps. normal phase (NP) TLC, the mobile phase is less polar
than the stationary phase, whereas in reversed phase
(RP) TLC, the mobile phase is more polar than the
Sample
Preparation stationary phase. More than 80% of all TLC separations
are done with silica gel as the stationary phase.
Supporting Choice of stationary
Measures and mpbile phases
in TLC process
Choice of mobile phases (solvent system)
Main Chromatogram The choice of the mobile phase is critical for efficient
Sample Application Evaluation
Operations Development
separation results. The solvent dissolves the sample
Pre-Post
components from the sorbent layer and moves them
Optional Pre-conditioning
Operations
Pre-rinsing the layer
the layer
chromatogram
Development
across the plate. Ideal mobile phases transport all
components off the baseline having final Rf values
Figure 1. TLC process between 0.15 up to 0.85 (ideally 0.2 – 0.6). When
starting a method from scratch, typically a mixture
of a polar and non-polar solvent is used as a starting
Storage and handling point. To increase Rf values in NP TLC, an increase of
the polarity of the mobile phase is needed. In case,
TLC layers are highly active materials and can adsorb
a reduction in Rf is required, a decrease of polarity is
moisture and contaminations from the lab environment.
recommended. A very common mobile phase system
Therefore, storage of plates in a clean and dry environment is
in NP TLC contains hexane and 10 – 50% EtOAc. Other
recommended. If possible, wrap the plates in aluminum foil.
prominent systems methanol with dichloromethanes
Also, keep the plates away from chemical fumes and vapor.
and toluene with acetone. In RP TLC, the solvent
systems are usually mixtures based e.g. water,
Pre-rinsing (washing) and activation of methanol, acetonitrile, or aqueous buffers.
the layer
The addition of a certain modifier (basic, acid) might
Contaminants and moisture from the environment can increase separation result.
alter the plate performance. In addition, the plates may
have impurities from binders, packaging or previous A detailed systematic approach of finding the ideal solvent
handling. These components should be removed by systems can be followed according to published data.
pre-rinsing the layer. This is performed either by 1 Please consider, that all solvents should have an
dipping (once or twice, 1-7 minutes) or by running adequate purity and stability, low viscosity, low vapor
a blank chromatography of the TLC plate e.g. with pressure and low toxicity if possible.
methanol. Mind the chromatographic direction because
impurities concentrate at the top edge of the plate. Sample application
To remove bonded water at the polar sites, it is advised Samples can be applied as spots or bands by contact or
to heat the plate for 20 – 30 min at 120°C (in a clean spraying. Sample application by spraying in a band enables
oven) for a proper plate activation. an improved separation result and is the preferred method
when having larger sample volume. There are special
Sample preparation equipments available to spray sample solutions onto the
plate. This method avoids direct contact with the TLC layer
Thin-Layer Chromatography plates are single-use and is typically used for band application.
products with no cross-contamination between the
plates. So, sample preparation is less time-consuming The polarity of the diluent is a factor to consider. In NP
compared to HPLC. A sample crushing and extraction TLC non-polar diluents are used like e.g. n-hexane, and
with an appropriate diluent is recommended, eventually substances remain at the application point. However, with
followed by filtration and concentration steps. more polar diluents (toluene, dichloromethane, methanol),

13
the substances are transported toward the edge of the recommended. A relative humidity of 33% is a moderate
“wet zone”, and typically form a circular chromatogram humidity and can be achieved by using a saturated
at the starting area. After chromatographic development, MgCl2 solution. Ensure, that there is still undissolved
peaks with an almost Gaussian distribution are achieved salt in the saturated solution. Besides, it is important to
i.p. with increasing polarity of the diluent (Figure 2). develop the plate immediately after conditioning.

Chromatogram development
The development of the TLC plates can be done
through various techniques, like e.g. one-dimensional
or two-dimensional or via forced flow processes. One-
dimensional can be single or multiple development,
whereas single developments are run vertically,
horizontal, or circular. In most cases, the separation is
done vertically in a development chamber.
Insert the freshly prepared mobile phase in the
development chamber to a level of max. 0.5 cm
(immersion line). Before starting the development
process, an equilibrium of the mobile phase between
solvent and gas phase is needed and can be reached
by a chamber saturation. Add a saturating pad or filter
paper inside the chamber for 20 min (keep the chamber
Figure 2. Substance distribution in TLC as a function of sealed). After chamber saturation, place the plate inside
the solvent the chamber. As soon the mobile phase has travelled
two-third of the plate dimension (max. up to 1 cm from
Based on the number of samples being analyzed, select the top), remove the plate and mark the solvent front.
a suitable plate size or cut a larger plate of the needed After development, plate should be properly dried to
dimensions. Mark the application zone with a pencil by remove residual solvents before visualization.
drawing lines across the plate. Take care not to damage the
layer surface as this can lead to errors. Be careful not to Derivatization
apply the sample too close to the bottom edge of the plate
(8 mm from lower edge), as this can cause the starting When separated compounds are colorless, or do
point to spread into the mobile phase. The sample volume not respond to UV radiation, and do not fluoresce,
depends on the aim of the analysis and the concentration derivatization is used to enhance detection. The
of the sample solutions. A sample volume of 0.5-2.0 µL is detection reagent may be used with the solvent system
recommended for identity tests, and a maximum of 10 µl (in-situ derivatization) before development (pre-
for purity testing. The higher the sample volume, the more
chromatographic derivatization) or after development
volatile and non-polar the diluent should be and the slower
(post-chromatographic derivatization).
the application should be carried out.

A detection reagent is applied to the plate (by spraying

Drying plates prior to development
or dipping) to enable chemical visualization. The
After sample is applied on the plate, the diluent must advantages of spraying include high flexibility and
be completely removed by careful drying the plates requiring less reagents, when manual spraying does not
prior to development. Avoid contamination with fumes enable sufficient reproducibility.
during drying and chose appropriate temperature in
order not to cause sample diffusion or loss.
Dipping based derivatization allows a more homogeneous
and reproducible derivatization but needs more reagents.
Pre-conditioning the layer/ humidity control Besides, background coloration may occur. The back side
Unless special precautions are taken during sample of the plate must be carefully wiped after derivatization.
application, humidity in the laboratory can diminish the
activity of the TLC layer within minutes, as equilibrium Performing TLC in a proper way will deliver you
is reached between the lab atmosphere and the reproducible and precise results, both for qualitative
sorbent. Pre-conditioning of TLC plate helps to avoid its and quantitative analysis.
deterioration. Therefore, condition plates (after sample
application) for 45 min over a saturated salt solution in
a closed chamber. Depending on the relative humidity Reference:
you need to reach, several saturated salt solutions are 1. Snyder, L. R., J. Chromatogr., Sci.16 (1978) 223

14 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Ordering Information
Classical Silica Plates for TLC
• Unmodified silica is the most widely used sorbent Reliable routine analysis of a broad range of
in TLC. There’s a good reason for this: when substances
combined with a suitable mobile phase, it allows
Unmodified silica gel covers nearly 80% of both
you to analyze almost any substance. The smooth
adsorption and partition TLC applications. It enables
and extremely dense plate coating ensures narrow
separation of a large range of diverse substances,
bands and maximum separation efficiency with lowest
such as alkaloids, anabolics, carbohydrates, fatty
background noise. Our silica plates offer all these
acids, glycosides, lipids, mycotoxins, nucleotides,
advantages and more. They utilize our well-established
peptides, pesticides, steroids, sulfonamides, surfactants,
silica gel 60 together with a unique polymeric binder,
tetracyclines and many others. This makes it suitable for:
which results in a uniform, hard surface that will not
crack or blister. • In-process control in drug synthesis
• Highest quality • Identity and stability testing of drugs
• Quality control of pharmaceuticals, food and
• Most reliable batch-to-batch consistency environmental samples
• Unsurpassed robustness • Residue analysis of food and environmental samples
Unmodified silica gel 60 TLC plates
Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/ µm (Width x Length) Backing content Cat. No.
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05721.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.05626.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 250 5 x 20 glass 100 plates 1.05724.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 250 2.5 x 7.5 glass 100 plates 1.15326.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05715.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.05729.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 5 x 20 glass 100 plates 1.05714.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 5 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05808.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 5 x 10 glass 200 plates 1.05719.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 5 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05789.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 2.5 x 7.5 glass*3 100 plates 1.05794.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 2.5 x 7.5 glass*4 100 plates 1.15327.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 2.5 x 7.5 glass 500 plates 1.15341.0001
TLC Silica Gel 60 W F254S Silica Gel 60 W F254s*2 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.16485.0001
LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254s LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254*1 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05805.0001
LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254 LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254*1 250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.05804.0001
LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254 LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254*1 250 5 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05802.0001
LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254 LuxPlate® silica gel 60 F254*1 250 2.5 x 7.5 glass 100 plates 1.05801.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05553.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 200 5 x 10 aluminum 50 sheets 1.16835.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 W Silica gel 60 W*5 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.16487.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05554.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 10 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05570.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 5 x 20 aluminum 100 sheets 1.05534.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 5 x 10 aluminum 50 sheets 1.16834.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 5 x 7.5 aluminum 20 sheets 1.05549.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 500 x 20 aluminum 1 roll 1.05562.0001
TLC Silica Gel 60 W F254 s*2 Silica Gel 60 W*5 F254s*2 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.16484.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 Silica gel 60 200 20 x 20 plastic 25 sheets 1.05748.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 20 x 20 plastic 25 sheets 1.05735.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 4x8 plastic 50 sheets 1.05750.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 500 x 20 plastic 1 roll 1.05749.0001
F254 Fluorescent indicator
*1
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable
*2 *3
paper box plastic box
*4
W: water-resistant
*5

15
Silica 60 TLC plates with concentrating zone
Layer Sorbent/ Layer Format/ cm ( Support/ Pack size/
Description Coating Material Thickness/µm Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC Silica gel 60 concentrating zone 2.5 x 20 cm Silica gel 60 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.11845.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 concentrating zone 2.5 x 10 cm Silica gel 60 250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.11844.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 concentrating zone 2.5 x 20 cm Silica gel 60 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05582.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254*1 concentrating zone 2.5 x 20 cm Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.11798.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254*1concentrating zone 2.5 x 10 cm Silica gel 60 F254 *1
250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.11846.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F
254
*1
concentrating zone 2.5 x 20 cm Silica gel 60 F254 *1
200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05583.0001

F254 Fluorescent indicator

*1

Silica 60 TLC plates with GLP code

Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm ( Support/ pack size/
Description Material Thickness/ µm Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC silica gel 60 F254 GLP Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05566.0001
TLC silica gel 60 F254 GLP Silica gel 60 F254*1 250 10 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05702.0001

F254 Fluorescent indicator

*1

NEW Universal HPTLC Mix for system suitability test

Discover more about our universal HPTLC mix (UHM) This product is recommended for HPTLC performed
which provides laboratories with a single solution and in conjunction with CAMAG instruments and their
it’s applicable for HPTLC system suitability tests (SST) software visionCATS.
for a wide range of chromatographic systems.
Find out more at SigmaAldrich.com/uhm

16 Thin-Layer Chromatography
TLC Silica Gel 60 G Plates
Fully compliant with international Description: Chromatographic separation. Apply an
pharmacopoeia appropriate volume (10 μl for a normal TLC plate
and 1 μl to 2 μl for a fine particle size plate) of TLC
Traditionally, TLC monographs in pharmacopoeia performance test solution R (Reagent 1116600) to
refer to products using silica G, containing gypsum as the plate. Develop over a path length of two-thirds
binder, or silica H with no binder. There are about 200 of the plate height, using a mixture of 20 volumes of
monograph methods in the European Pharmacopoeia methanol R and 80 volumes of toluene R.
(Ph. Eur.) referring to these plates*.
The plate is not satisfactory unless the chromatogram
* The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) does not shows four clearly separated spots, the spot of
distinguish between TLC plates with gypsum or bromocresol green with an Rf value less than 0.15, the
organic binder, thus our standard plates can always spot of methyl orange with an Rf value in the range of
be used. 0.1 to 0.25, the spot of methyl red with an Rf value in
the range of 0.35 to 0.55 and the spot of Sudan red G
These new TLC silica gel 60 G plates are recommended
with an Rf value in the range of 0.75 to 0.98.
for customers in QA/QC labs using older Ph. Eur.
monograph methods, which require TLC plates with **The following publications (German only) feature
gypsum binder, and who do not wish to switch to monographs of Ph. Eur. on pre-coated TLC plates:
classical TLC plates with organic binders.
P. Pachaly: DC-Atlas-Dünnschicht-Chromatographie in
Our classical TLC plates fulfill the performance test der Apotheke, Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft
requirements of Ph. Eur. for G plates with gypsum, Stuttgart 1999, ISBN 3-8047-1623-7. Includes many
even though they use modern organic binders. Today, documented monographs of Ph. Eur. using TLC plates
many customers routinely use these classical TLC from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Germany.
plates in place of gypsum plates, and indeed several
monographs have been updated to officially confirm Jürgen Wolf: Mikro-DC, PZ-Schriftenreihe: Vorschriften
this change.** auf Basis des Ph Eur, DAB und DAC. Govi-Verlag,
Eschborn 1999, ISBN 3-7741-0736-X. This book
In addtition to our high standard QC control, the TLC features a broad range of monographs of the Ph. Eur.
silica 60 G plates are also tested using TLC performance evaluated on Merck KGaA, Darmstadt Germany TLC
test described by Ph. Eur. aluminum sheets Si 60

Parameter Specification Typical value

hRf, values
Separation 4 clearly separated spots passed
Bromocresol green <15 5
Methyl orange 10 - 25 10
Methyl red 35 - 55 38
Sudan red 75 - 98 82

The chromatogram shows four clear separated spots according to Ph.

Eur. test conditions and fulfils Ph. Eur. requirements.

Silica gel 60 G TLC plates

Layer Sorbent/ Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material*2 Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC Silica gel 60 G F254 TLC Silica gel 60 G F254*1 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.00390.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 G TLC Silica gel 60 G 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.00384.0001
*1
F254 fluorescent indicator
*2
Both plates have similar separation performance to our classical TLC plates; the only difference is that gypsum is used as binder.

17
Modified Silica TLC Plates for Enhanced Selectivity
Modified silica TLC plates provide additional selectivity polarity and high affinity for aqueous solutions,
and significantly broaden thin-layer chromatography tolerating up to 80% water, while the longer carbon
applications. Hence, they are well suited for demanding chains RP-8 and R-18 can be run with up to 60% water
TLC separations, and as a pilot technique for HPLC. in the solvent system.
RP-2, RP-8, and RP-18 plates are based on silica gel 60,
modified with aliphatic hydrocarbons. Amino-modified NH2 modified silica plates
NH2 silica plates provide weakly basic ion-exchange
characteristics with extraordinary selectivity for charged The amino modified NH2 plate provides weakly basic
compounds. The CN and Diol modified silica plates ion exchange characteristics with special selectivity for
are moderately polar and are suitable for both normal charged compounds. For many applications, it offers an
phase and reversed phase systems. alternative to PEI cellulose.
Since most substances separated on modified plates
Free choice of solvent system for special are colorless, the majority of our modified silica plates
separations and as pilot method for HPLC contain the blue fluorescent, acid-stable UV indicator
F254s. Samples which absorb shortwave UV at 254 nm
When separation challenges cannot be adequately
are detected due to fluorescence quenching.
resolved with standard silica, you can count on our
modified silica plates to facilitate your application.
Your benefits
This system offers a free choice of solvents, so you
can be sure that they meet your particular separation • Results less dependent on atmospheric humidity
requirements.
• Allows use of aqueous solvent systems
RP-modified silica plates • RP-modified silica provides ready correlation
with HPLC/LPLC
RP-2, RP-8 and RP-18 are based on silica gel 60
modified with aliphatic hydrocarbons. The chain length, • No catalytic activity for unstable substances
in combination with the degree of modification, defines (e.g. oxidative degradation)
the ability to tolerate the water of the solvent system
Modified silica TLC plates provide additional selectivity
and strongly affects retention. Migration time increases
and significantly broaden TLC applications
in the order RP-2, RP-8, RP-18 using the same solvent
composition. The HPTLC RP-2 sorbent exhibits higher

RP-modified and NH2-modified silica 60 TLC plates

Layer Sorbent/ Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material/ Modification Thickness/µm (Width xLength) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-2 (silanized) Silica gel 60 RP-2 (silanized) 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05746.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-2 F254*1 (silanized) Silica gel 60 RP-2 F254*1 (silanized) 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05747.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s *2
Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s *2
250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.15388.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s*2 250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.15424.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s*2 250 5 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15684.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s *2
Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s *2
250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.15389.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 250 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.15423.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 250 5 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.15683.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s *2
Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s *2
250 5 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15685.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 200 20 x 20 aluminum 20 sheets 1.05559.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 200 5 x 7.5 aluminum 20 sheets 1.05560.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 NH2 F254s *2
Silica gel 60 NH2 F254s *2
200 20 x 20 aluminum 20 sheets 1.05533.0001

*1F254 Fluorescent indicator *2F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable

18 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Aluminum Oxide TLC Plates
Excellent Separations of Basic and be best separated on basic alox plates, while neutral
Neutral Compounds alox plates are most suitable for neutral compounds.
These plates achieve excellent separations for a wide
Our aluminum oxide (alox) plates for thin-layer variety of applications, thanks to neutral and basic
chromatography offer distinct advantages with regard aluminum oxides with 60 Å pore sizes.
to pH. Under aqueous conditions, basic compounds can

Aluminum oxide 60 TLC plates

Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1, basic Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1 basic 250 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05713.0001
TLC Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1, basic Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1 basic 250 5 x 20 glass 100 plates 1.05731.0001
TLC Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1, neutral Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1 neutral 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05550.0001
TLC Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1, neutral Aluminum oxide 60 F254*1 neutral 200 20 x 20 plastic 25 sheets 1.05581.0001
F254 Fluorescent indicator
*1

Kieselguhr and Mixed Layer Plates

For specific applications compounds. For the mixed layer plates a combination of
classical silica gel 60 and kieselguhr is used, providing
Kieselguhr is a natural diatomaceous earth that can be favorable properties for certain applications such as
used for the separation of polar or moderately polar separation of inorganic ions, herbicides or steroids.

Kieselguhr and silica gel/kieselguhr TLC plates

Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Layer Sorbent/Coating Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC Kieselguhr F254 Kieselguhr F 254
*1
200 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05738.0001
TLC Kieselguhr F254 Kieselguhr F254*1 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05568.0001
Silica gel 60/Kieselguhr F254 Silica gel 60 / Kieselguhr F254*1 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05567.0001

F254 Fluorescent indicator

*1

19
Cellulose TLC and HPTLC Plates
Precise Analysis of Polar Substances Cellulose plates are available with or without
fluorescent indicators. They utilize a special fluorescent
Organic sorbent cellulose is particularly suitable for pigment that is stimulated to intense blue fluorescent
the separation of hydrophilic substances by partition emission by long-wave UV light of 366 nm and by
chromatography and we offer cellulose plates for short-wave UV light at 254 nm.
demanding high-performance separations. Based on
microcrystalline cellulose, these TLC plates are ideal for Typical applications of cellulose plates include the
standard separations and our HPTLC plates use high- analysis of amino acids, carbohydrates, phosphates,
purity, rod-shaped microcrystalline cellulose, resulting nucleic acids and nucleic acid derivatives for:
in a highly reduced diffusion of analytes for demanding, • Detection of amino acids in clinical laboratories
high-performance separations.
• 2-dimensional separations such as
We also provide special PEI cellulose plates amino acid “fingerprints”
(polyethylenimine-modified cellulose), which act as
strong basic anion exchangers. This makes them the • Metabolic studies
best choice for analyzing substances with exchange-
active ionic groups, such as amino acids, peptides,
nucleotides and nucleosides.

Cellulose plates (TLC and HPTLC)

Layer Sorbent/ Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/ µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC Cellulose Cellulose 80 - 120 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05716.0001
TLC Cellulose Cellulose 80 - 120 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.05730.0001
TLC Cellulose Cellulose 80 - 120 10 x 10 glass 100 plates 1.05632.0001
TLC Cellulose F Cellulose F*1 80 - 120 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05718.0001
TLC Cellulose F Cellulose F *1
80 - 120 10 x 20 glass 50 plates 1.05728.0001
TLC Cellulose Cellulose 70 - 110 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05552.0001
TLC Cellulose Cellulose 70 - 110 500 x 20 aluminum 1 roll 1.05563.0001
TLC Cellulose F Cellulose F *1
70 - 110 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05574.0001
TLC Cellulose Cellulose 70 - 110 20 x 20 plastic 25 sheets 1.05577.0001
TLC Cellulose F Cellulose F 70 - 110 20 x 20 plastic 25 sheets 1.05565.0001
HPTLC Cellulose HPTLC Cellulose 60 - 110 20 x 10 glass 50 plates 1.05786.0001
HPTLC Cellulose HPTLC Cellulose 60 - 110 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05787.0001
HPTLC Cellulose F HPTLC Cellulose F*1 60 - 110 20 x 10 glass 50 plates 1.15036.0001
HPTLC Cellulose F HPTLC Cellulose F *1
60 - 110 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15035.0001
HPTLC Cellulose HPTLC Cellulose 70 - 110 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.16092.0001
TLC PEI Cellulose F PEI*2 Cellulose F*1 80 - 120 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.05725.0001
TLC PEI Cellulose F PEI *2
Cellulose F
*1
80 - 120 20 x 20 plastic 25 sheets 1.05579.0001

Fluorescent indicator wavelength 254/366 nm.

*1

PEI cellulose plates should be stored cold (0-4 °C) and dry to
*2

reduce deterioration. As plates become old they might

get yellow colorations. This does not influenc chromatographic
performance. A wash step with Methanol is recommended.

20 Thin-Layer Chromatography
High Performance Silica Plates (HPTLC)
Our high performance thin-layer chromatography a higher packing density and
(HPTLC) plates are the perfect choice for quantitative smoother surface. What’s more,
HPTLC TLC
separations using instrumental HPTLC. The optimized, band diffusion is reduced, yielding plate plate

smaller particles enable significantly higher speed, more especially compact sample zones
efficiency and better sensitivity than classical TLC plates. or spots. The smaller particle size
The parallel separation of many samples per plate and and thinner layer (200 µm or 100
an extremely high matrix-tolerance enables a separation µm) results in significantly higher
time of 20 seconds (or less) per sample with almost sensitivity and faster analysis.
no need for sample preparation, which makes HPTLC
outstanding in cost-efficiency.
0 10 20 µm

Features and Benefits

Features of HPTLC versus
• Faster analysis, only 3–20 min for optimum classical TLC HPTLC Classical TLC
separations Mean particle size 5 – 6 µm 10 – 12 µm

• 5–10 fold higher sensitivity than classical TLC Particle size distribution 4 – 8 µm 5 – 20 µm
Layer thickness 200 µm (100 µm) 250 µm
• Highly reproducible, focused bands for quantitative
analysis Plate height 12 µm 30 µm
Typical migration distance 3 – 6 cm 10 – 15 cm
• Gold standard for instrumental automation
Typical separation time 3 – 20 min 20 – 200 min

Smaller Particles for Advanced Separations Number of samples per plate < 36 (72) < 10
Sample volume 0.1 – 0.5 µl 1 – 5 µl
Our HPTLC plates use an optimized silica gel 60
Detection limits: absorption 100 – 500 pg 1 – 5 ng
sorbent with a particle size of only 5-6 µm, compared
to the 10-12 µm used in classical TLC. This enables Detection limits: emission (fluorescence) 5 – 10 pg 50 – 100 pg

Comparison of classical TLC plates versus HPTLC plates

Sample Conditions TLC HPTLC
N-alpha-dansyl-L-asparagine Mobile phase Ethyl acetate / methanol /propionic acid Ethyl acetate / methanol /propionic acid
α-Dansyl-L-arginine (20/10/3) (20/10/3)
Dansyl-L-cysteic acid Detection UV 366 nm UV 366 nm
N-dansyl-L-serine Sample volume 4 µl 0.3 µl
Dansyl-glycine Migration distance 10 cm 5 cm
N-N Dansyl-L-tyrosine Analysis time 42 min 13 min 45 sec

A classical TLC silica 60 plate HPTLC silica gel 60 plate

21
Application Areas Premium Purity HPTLC Plates
HPTLC plates are ideal for highly demanding Premium purity HPTLC plates are optimized for
quantitative analyses, such as: high-performance, completely contamination-free
separations, such as demanding pharmacopoeia
• Identity testing in the analysis of herbal medicines
applications. The plates are wrapped in plastic-coated
• Highly sophisticated quantitative separations of aluminum foil, which prevents deposition of plasticizers
pharmaceutical drugs using instrumental analysis that could appear as unknown extra zones when using
• Quality control or purity testing of complex samples medium-polar solvent systems.
in pharmaceutical drugs
• Trace analysis of contaminants in food AMD HPTLC plates
Higher Speed and Sensitivity With an extra-thin layer of only 100 μm, AMD HPTLC
plates are designed for even more demanding
Classical Silica HPTLC Plates automated multiple development (AMD) applications.
The technique combines repeated development of the
Our classical silica HPTLC plates are available with plate in the same direction with reproducible gradient
glass or aluminum backing in a variety of formats to elution. AMD HPTLC plates provide extremely narrow
suit your requirements. Fluorescent indicators are also bands, allowing the complete resolution of up to 40
available: green fluorescent F254, or blue fluorescent components over a distance of only 60 mm. The special
acid-stable F254s. Both indicators fluoresce in UV light at properties of AMD HPTLC plates are highly beneficial
an excitation wavelength of 254 nm. for complex investigations, like the qualitative and
Our classical silica HPTLC plates enable fast and quantitative analysis of pesticides.
quantitative analyses of complex samples for manual or
instrumental use. These plates offer higher speed and
sensitivity than conventional TLC plates–making them
the best choice for sophisticated separations.

Unmodified HPTLC Silica gel 60 plates

Pack
Layer Format/ cm Support/ size/
Description Layer Sorbent/Coating Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
HPTLC silica gel 60 HPTLC silica gel 60 200 20 x 10 glass 50 plates 1.05641.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 HPTLC silica gel 60 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05631.0001
100
HPTLC silica gel 60 HPTLC silica gel 60 200 10 x 10 glass 1.05633.0001
plates
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s *2
200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15696.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F254*1 200 20 x 10 glass 50 plates 1.05642.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F 254
*1
200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05628.0001
100
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F *1
200 10 x 10 glass 1.05629.0001
254
plates
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F254*1 200 5 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05616.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 HPTLC silica gel 60 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05547.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F254*1 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05548.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F254*1 200 5 x 7.5 aluminum 20 sheets 1.05556.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 WR F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 WR *3
F254s *2
200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15552.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 AMD,
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254*1, AMD 100 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.11764.0001
extra thin
HPTLC silica gel 60 WR F254s AMD,
HPTLC silica gel 60 WR*3 F254s*2, AMD 100 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.12363.0001
extra thin
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC silica gel 60 F *1
premium
254
200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05648.0001
premium purity purity

*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator *2
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable *3
WR: Water-Resistant

22 Thin-Layer Chromatography
Silica 60 HPTLC plates with concentrating zone
Layer Sorbent / Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Coating Material Thickness/ µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
HPTLC Silica gel 60 concentrating zone 2.5 x 20 cm Silica gel 60 150 - 200 20 x 10 glass 50 plates 1.13749.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 concentrating zone 2.5 x 10 cm Silica gel 60 150 - 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13748.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 concentrating zone 2.5 x 20 cm Silica gel 60 F 254
*1
150 - 200 20 x 10 glass 50 plates 1.13728.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 concentrating zone 2.5 x 10 cm Silica gel 60 F254*1 150 - 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13727.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 F254 concentrating zone 2.5 x 5 cm Silica gel 60 F 254
*1
150 - 200 5 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13187.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s concentrating zone 2.5 Silica gel 60 RP-18
150 - 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15498.0001
x 20 cm F254s*2
Silica gel 60 RP*3,
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 with concentrating zone
concentrating zone 150 - 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15037.0001
2.5 x 20 cm
2.5 x 20 cm

*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator *2
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable *3
for PAH determination acc. to DIN 38409-H13

Silica 60 HPTLC plates with GLP code

Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size
Description Layer Sorbent/Coating Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing /Content Cat. No.
HPTLC silica gel 60 GLP Silica gel 60 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13326.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 GLP Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05613.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 GLP Silica gel 60 F254*1 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05564.0001
*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator

ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Plates

ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Plates ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Cellulose Sheets
ProteoChrom™ HPTLC plates are optimized for highly Alternatively, ProteoChrom™ HPTLC cellulose sheets
efficient highly sensitive separations, especially for are based on an extra-thin layer of optimized
the analysis of peptides and protein digests, thanks microcrystalline cellulose. Specially created protocols
to enhanced separation and staining procedures. For for development and staining enable straightforward
maximum convenience, each ProteoChrom™ package 2-D analysis in only 4 hours.
includes an insert sheet with detailed instructions for
solvent systems, running conditions and staining solutions. Features and benefits

ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Silica Gel 60 F254s Plates • Highly reproducible: optimized separation &
staining procedures
Based on an extra-thin layer of our high-performance
silica gel, ProteoChrom™ HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s plates • Convenient: easy-to-follow, detailed protocols included
provide highly efficient separation characteristics for
• High detection sensitivity: extra-thin layers of 100 μm
1-D analysis of peptides and protein digests. Thanks to
their special binder composition, these plates are also • Highly stable in water: ideal for use with aqueous
highly stable in water, thus ideal for use with aqueous solvent systems
solvent systems. Up to 20 peptides can be resolved,
and as little as 1-2 ng per band can be visualized.

ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Plates

Layer Sorbent/ Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/

Description Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
ProteoChrom™ HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s*1 100 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05650.0001
ProteoChrom™ HPTLC Cellulose HPTLC Cellulose 100 10 x 10 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05651.0001

*1
F254s fluorescence indicator, acid stable
Each ProteoChrom™ package includes an insert sheet with detailed instructions for solvent systems, running conditions and staining solution,
enabling straightforward experiments without time-consuming optimization work.

23
Modified Silica HPTLC Plates
Reversed-Phase (RP) Modified Silica the degree of modification, defines the plate’s ability to
tolerate the water of the solvent system, and strongly
HPTLC Plates affects retention. Using the same solvent system,
migration time increases in the order: RP-2, RP-8, RP-18.
Overcome Challenging HPTLC Separations
RP-2 HPTLC sorbents exhibit higher polarity and a high
Reversed-phase (RP) modified silica HPTLC plates provide affinity to aqueous solutions, tolerating up to 80% water.
additional selectivity to significantly broaden thin-layer In contrast, the longer carbon chains, RP-8 and RP-18,
chromatography applications. Hence, they are well can be run with up to 60% water in the solvent system.
suited for demanding HPTLC separations, and as a pilot The specially developed RP-18W HPTLC plate offers a
technique for HPLC. RP-2 (C-2) , RP-8 (C-8), and RP-18 lower degree of surface modification, hence it can be
(C-18) plates are based on silica gel 60, modified with used even with 100% water in the solvent system.
aliphatic hydrocarbons. The chain length, combined with

Reversed-phase-(RP) modified silica 60 HPTLC plates

Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material/Modification Thickness/µm (Width x Length Backing Content Cat. No.
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-2 F254s *2
Silica gel 60 RP-2 F254s*2
200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13726.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-8 F254s*2 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13725.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 Silica gel 60 RP-18 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05914.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 W Silica gel 60 RP-18 W*3 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.14296.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s *2
Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s *2
200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.16225.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s*2 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13724.0001
HPTLC Silica gel60 RP-18 W F254s*2 Silica gel60 RP-18 W*3 F254s*2 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13124.0001

F254 Fluorescent indicator

*1 *2
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable *3
W: wettable with water

CN and Diol-Modified Plates NH2-Modified Plates

Normal-Phase and Reversed-Phase Separations Excellent Separation of Charged Compounds
CN and Diol-modified silica plates are moderately polar, Amino-modified NH2 plates provide weakly basic ion-
and suitable for both normal-phase and reversed-phase exchange characteristics with extraordinary selectivity
systems. The CN-modified plate is based on silica gel for charged compounds. These unique features enable
60 modified with a cyanopropyl group, while the Diol- the separation of compounds such as nucleotides,
modified plate utilizes a silica surface modified by a vicinal purines, pyrimidines, phenols and sulfonic acids
diol alkyl ether. The dual characteristic of the CN plate using simple eluent mixtures. For many applications,
enables unique two-dimensional separations by using the NH2-modified silica plates offer an alternative to
normal-phase mechanism in the first direction, followed by PEI cellulose. In addition, they allow reagent-free
the reversed-phase mechanism in the second direction. detection of certain compounds (e.g. carbohydrates) by
thermochemical fluorescence activation.

CN-, Diol- and NH2- modified silica 60 HPTLC plates

Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
HPTLC silica gel 60 CN F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 CN F254s *1
200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.16464.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 Diol F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 Diol F254s*1 200 10 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.12668.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 Diol F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 Diol F254s*1 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05636.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 NH2 HPTLC silica gel 60 NH2 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.12572.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 NH2 F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 NH2 F254s*1 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.13192.0001
HPTLC silica gel 60 NH2 F254s HPTLC silica gel 60 NH2 F254s*1 200 10 x 10 glass 26 plates 1.15647.0001
*1
Fluorescent indicator, acid stable

24 Thin-Layer Chromatography
LiChrospher® HPTLC plates
Optimized for High-Throughput Separations Application Areas
Our unique LiChrospher® HPTLC plates are the first • LiChrospher® HPTLC plates are especially suitable
thin-layer chromatography plates based on spherical for separations of highly complex, low concentration
silica particles. Compared to standard HPTLC plates, samples, such as:
they offer maximum performance and speed, thus
– Trace analysis of pesticide mixtures
enabling high-throughput analyses of complex samples.
– Assay of pharmaceutical compounds
Improved Detection Limits
LiChrospher® HPTLC plates are based on spherical LiChrospher® Si 60 F254s HPTLC Plates versus conventional Si 60
silica 60 with a particle size of 7 µm, and a narrow F254 HPTLC Plates
particle-size distribution similar to that used in HPLC. Compounds Visual Spectrophotochemical
While LiChrospher® plates possess a broad selectivity
HPTLC LiChrospher® HPTLC LiChrospher®
very similar to that of the corresponding HPTLC plates, Silica Si 60 Silica Si 60
the plate height, separation numbers and velocity gel 60 F254s / ng gel 60 F254s / ng
constants have been further improved. This results in F254 / ng F254 / ng
shorter analysis times and improved detection limits. Ascorbic acid 100 100 100 25
Cortisone 50 25 25 10
Features and Benefits Atrazine 50 25 10 5

• Reduced running times in comparison to HPTLC Prometryn 25 10 10 5

Theophylline 50 25 25 10
• Highly compact spots or zones for higher detection
sensitivity o-Aminophenol 50 25 25 5
m-Aminophenol 10 5 10 5
• Low detection limits
p-Aminophenol 100 50 50 25

Scanning electron images of the cross-sections of:

A. Classical silica TLC plate B. High-performance silica HPTLC plate C. LiChrospher® silica HPTLC plate

Unmodified LiChrospher® silica gel 60 HPTLC plates

Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
LiChrospher® HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s LiChrospher® silica gel 60 F254s*1 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.15445.0001
LiChrospher® HPTLC silica gel 60 F254s LiChrospher® silica gel 60 F254s*1 200 20 x 20 aluminum 25 sheets 1.05586.0001
LiChrospher® HPTLC silica gel 60 WR LiChrospher® silica gel 60 WR 100 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05647.0001
F254s AMD extra thin F254s*1AMD

*1
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable WR: water-resistant

RP-modified LiChrospher® silica gel 60 HPTLC plate

Layer Sorbent/Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
LiChrospher® HPTLC Silica gel 60 LiChrospher®Silica gel 60 200 20 x 10 glass 25 plates 1.05646.0001
RP-18 WF254s RP-18 W*2 F254s*1
*1
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable W: wettable with water
*2

25
TLC and HPTLC MS-Grade Plates
Exceptional Sensitivity with Extremely Low Background Signal
Coupling TLC plates with mass spectrometry (TLC-MS) is a field of high interest in planar chromatography.
One particular advantage of TLC-MS is the flexibility it offers in the choice of mobile phases for separations. In
comparison, HPLC-MS coupling does not allow the use of certain mobile phases, such as inorganic buffers.

TLC-MS Coupling Techniques

The techniques for coupling TLC with mass spectrometry
can be divided into elution-based, or desorption-based.
Both approaches are offline, and are performed after the
separation is completed and the plate has dried. Sample
transfer to the mass spectrometer is fast and typically
takes less than one minute.

Elution-based TLC-MS
The analyte on the silica plate is dissolved in a solvent and transferred to the mass spectrometer in the liquid phase.

HPLC Mass
[100%] 365.2
Pump spectrometer
100

Delivers the solvent Analyzes the sample 80

Pressure controlled piston Analyte is transferred in 60

lowers the liquid phase
40
385.3
20

198.8 273.1 353.2 402.6

TLC/HPTLC plate
0
[m/z]

[100%] 9.40
Mass
DART 100 3329779
spectrometer
ion source (DART)
80
7.00
capillary tip Analyzes the sample 5.20
2397974
vaporizes the 60 1729269
analyte
Analyte is transferred in 40 3.27
the gas phase 869586

20
1.36
98820
0
[m/z]
TLC/HPTLC plate

Desorption-based TLC-MS with minimal fragmentation. It has been applied to the

analysis of biomolecules and large organic molecules
The analyte is vaporized from the silica, and and other macromolecules which tend to be fragile
transferred to the mass spectrometer in the gas and fragment when ionized using more conventional
phase. Vaporization techniques include gas beam, ionization methods.
ion bombardment, and MALDI (matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionization).
DART
TLC-MALDI-MS DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) is an atmospheric
pressure ion source that instantaneously ionizes gases,
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) liquids and solids in open air under ambient conditions.
is an ionization technique that uses a laser energy
absorbing matrix to create ions from large molecules

26 Thin-Layer Chromatography
MS-Grade Plates from a Leader in TLC standard TLC and HPTLC plates. The only difference is
that the new plates are much cleaner, and allow trace
We have introduced the first pre-coated plates in analysis in the nanogram range. Furthermore, our MS-
the market. We were also the first to offer glass grade plates offer exceptional sensitivity with extremely
plates for coupling planar chromatography with mass low background, hence a better signal-to-noise ratio, as
spectrometry. Our most recent developments in this field verified by the experiments below.
are our MS-grade TLC and HPTLC plates. The separation
performance of these products is equivalent to our

High sensitivity - Guaranteed constant high quality

Caffeine Signal intensity on HPTLC Signal intensity on HPTLC

[ng] Si60 F254 standard plates Si60 F254 MS-grade plates
10 ng - 60 × 106
20 ng - 100 × 106
30 ng 140 × 10 6
220 × 106
50 ng 150 × 10 6
360 × 106
70 ng 210 × 106 420 × 106

TLC-MS plates
Layer Format/ cm Support
Layer Sorbent/ Sorbent Thickness/ (Width x Material/ Pack size/
Description Coating Material modification µm Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
TLC silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254
*1
no 200 20 x 20 glass 25 plates 1.00933.0001
MS-grade
TLC silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 no 100 5 x 7.5 aluminum 20 sheets 1.51022.0001
MS-grade
TLC silica gel 60 RP-18 Silica gel 60 F254s*2 RP-18 modified 100 5 x 7.5 aluminum 20 plates 1.51015.0001
F254s MS-grade modified (aliphatic
hydrocarbons)

*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator *2
F254s Fluoresent indicator, acid resistant *3
suitable for TLC-MALDI-MS

HPTLC-MS plates
Support
Layer Sorbent/ Sorbent Layer Format/ cm Material/ Pack size/
Description Coating Material modification Thickness /µm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 Silica gel 60 F254*1 no 100 20 x 10 glass 20 plates 1.00934.0001
MS-grade
HPTLC silica gel 60 F254 MS- Silica gel 60 F254*1 no 100 5 x 7.5 aluminum 20 sheets 1.51160.0001
grade for MALDI*3
HPTLC silica gel 60 RP-18 Silica gel 60 F254s*2 RP-18 modified 100 20 x 10 glass 20 plates 1.51161.0001
F254s MS-grade modified (aliphatic
hydrocarbons)
*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator *2
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid resistant *3
suitable for TLC-MALDI-MS

27
PLC Plates for Separations from
Milligrams to Grams
Our preparative layer (PLC) plates allow separation Features and Benefits
and purification of samples varying in quantity—from
milligrams to grams. Samples are typically applied as a • Separation and purification from milligram to gram
band across the width of the glass plate and analyzed quantities
by UV detection. To isolate the substance by extraction, • Thicker layers for high sample loading
it is simply scraped from the PLC plate. We offer PLC
plates with both unmodified and modified layers, in a • Same proven silica-binder technology as our
variety of thicknesses (0.5 mm to 2 mm), and with or analytical TLC plates
without fluorescent indicators.
Silica gel 60 PLC plates
Layer Sorbent /Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/mm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
PLC Silica gel 60, 0.5 mm Silica gel 60 0.5 20 x 20 glass 20 plates 1.13894.0001
PLC silica gel 60, 2mm Silica gel 60 2 20 x 20 glass 12 plates 1.05745.0001
PLC Silica gel 60 F254, 0.5 mm Silica gel 60 F254*1 0.5 20 x 20 glass 20 plates 1.05744.0001
PLC Silica gel 60 F254, 1 mm Silica gel 60 F254*1 1 20 x 20 glass 15 plates 1.13895.0001
PLC Silica gel 60 F254, 2 mm Silica gel 60 F 254
*1
2 20 x 20 glass 12 plates 1.05717.0001
PLC Silica gel 60 RP-18 F254s, 1 mm Silica RP-18 F254s*3 1 20 x 20 glass 15 plates 1.05434.0001

*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator *2
F254s Fluorescent indicator, acid stable

Aluminum oxide 60 and 150 PLC plates

Layer Sorbent /Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/mm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
PLC Aluminum oxide 60 F254, 1.5 mm Aluminum oxide 60 F 254
*1
1.5 20 x 20 glass 12 plates 1.05788.0001
PLC Aluminum oxide 60 F254, 1.5 mm Aluminum oxide 150 F254*1 1.5 20 x 20 glass 12 plates 1.05726.0001

*1
Fluorescent indicator

PLC concentrating zone plates, glass-backed

Layer Sorbent/ Coating Layer Format/ cm Support/ Pack size/
Description Material Thickness/mm (Width x Length) Backing Content Cat. No.
PLC Silical gel 60 F254 0.5 mm with Silica gel 60 F254*1, 0.5 mm with 0.5 20 x 20 glass 20 plates 1.13794.0001
concentration zone 4 X20 cm concentrating zone 4 x 20 cm
PLC Silical gel 60 F254 1 mm with Silica gel 60 F254*1, 1 mm with 1 20 x 20 glass 15 plates 1.13792.0001
concentration zone 4 X20 cm concentrating zone 4 x 20 cm
PLC Silical gel 60 F254 2 mm with Silica gel 60 F254*1, 2 mm with 2 20 x 20 glass 12 plates 1.13793.0001
concentration zone 4 X20 cm concentrating zone 4 x 20 cm

*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator

Silica 60 TLC and HPTLC Multiformate plates

Format/ cm Pack number
Layer Sorbent / Coating (Width x Scored/ size/ of plates
Description Material Length) cm Content possible Cat. No.
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Multiformat pre-scored 5 x 10 cm Multiformat silica gel 60 F254*1 20 x 20 5 x 10 25 plates 200 1.05620.0001
TLC Silica gel 60 F254 Multiformat pre-scored 5 x 20 cm Multiformat silica gel 60 F254*1 20 x 20 5 x 20 20 plates 80 1.05608.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 Multiformat pre-scored 5 x 5 cm Multiformat silica gel 60 F 254
*1
10 x 10 5x5 25 plates 100 1.05635.0001
HPTLC Silica gel 60 Multiformat pre-scored 5 x 5 cm Multiformat silica gel 60 10 x 10 5x5 100 plates 400 1.05644.0001

*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator
Layer thickness: TLC plates: 250 μm; HPTLC plates 200 μm

28 Thin-Layer Chromatography
TLC Adsorbents: Broad Range for All Requirements
We offer a comprehensive portfolio of sorbents for the preparation of TLC plates.
All sorbents are standardized to ensure reliable results in thin-layer chromatography.

Features and Benefits

• Broad portfolio to suit different TLC and PLC applications
• Standardized quality for reliable results
• Depending on the TLC plate you need to prepare, you can choose from a variety of sorbent materials,
grades and particle sizes, which are available with or without binders and fluorescent indicators.

Loose sorbents for TLC plates (particle size 5-40 μm)

Description Sorbent / Coating Material Comment Package Material Pack size/ Content Cat. No.
Silica gel 60 G Silica gel 60 G Classical TLC Plastic 1 kg 1.07731.1000
Silica gel 60 G Silica gel 60 G Classical TLC Tin 5 kg 1.07731.5000
Silica gel 60 G Silica gel 60 G Classical TLC Tin 25 kg 1.07731.9025
Silica gel 60 G F254 Silica gel 60 G F254*1 Classical TLC, with Gypsum Plastic 1 kg 1.07730.1000
Silica gel 60 G F254 Silica gel 60 G F 254
*1
Classical TLC, with Gypsum Tin 5 kg 1.07730.5000
Silica gel 60 G F254 Silica gel 60 G F254*1 Classical TLC, with Gypsum Tin 25 kg 1.07730.9025
Silica gel 60 H Silica gel 60 H*3 TLC Plastic 1 kg 1.07736.1000
Silica gel 60 H Silica gel 60 H*3 TLC Tin 2.5 kg 1.07736.2500
Silica gel 60 H Silica gel 60 H *3
TLC Tin 25 kg 1.07736.9025
Silica gel 60 H Silica gel 60 H*3 TLC Plastic 1 kg 1.11695.1000
Silica gel 60 H F254 Silica gel 60 H*3 F254*1 TLC Plastic 1 kg 1.07739.1000
Silica gel 60 H F254 Silica gel 60 H *3
F 254
*1
TLC Tin 2.5 kg 1.07739.2500
Silica gel 60 H F254+366 Silica gel 60 H*3 F254+366*2 TLC Plastic 1 kg 1.07741.1000
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F254*1 PLC, for preparative work Plastic 1 kg 1.07747.1000
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F254*1 PLC, for preparative work Tin 2.5 kg 1.07747.2500
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F 254
*1
PLC, for preparative work Tin 25 kg 1.07747.9025
Silica gel 60 P F254+366 Silica gel 60 P F254+366*2 PLC, for preparative work Plastic 1 kg 1.07748.1000
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F254*1 PLC, for preparative work Tin 2.5 kg 1.07748.2500
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F254*1 PLC, for preparative work Plastic 1 kg 1.07749.1000
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F 254
*1
PLC, for preparative work Tin 2.5 kg 1.07749.2500
Silica gel 60 P F254 Silica gel 60 P F254*1 PLC, for preparative work Tin 25 kg 1.07749.9025
Kieselguhr Kieselguhr PLC, for preparative work Plastic 250 g 1.07910.0025
Kieselguhr Kieselguhr PLC, for preparative work Plastic 1 kg 1.07910.1000
Kieselguhr Kieselguhr PLC, for preparative work Plastic 25 kg 1.07910.9025
*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator *2
F254+366 Fluorescent indicator *3
without foreingn binder *4
Mean particle size 15 µm

Aluminum oxides for TLC and PLC (particle size 5-40 μm)
pH of 10% Pack
aqueous Package size/
Description Material Comment suspension Material Content Cat. No.
Aluminum oxide 60 G, neutral (type E) Aluminum oxide 60 G, neutral TLC, with Gypsum 7.5 Plastic 2.5 kg 1.01090.2500
Aluminum oxide 60 G, neutral (type E) Aluminum oxide 60 G, neutral TLC, with Gypsum 7.5 Plastic 25 kg 1.01090.9025
Aluminum oxide 60 G F254 neutral (type E) Aluminum oxide 60 G F 254
*1
neutral TLC, with Gypsum 7.5 Plastic 500 g 1.01092.0500
*1
F254 Fluorescent indicator

Other sorbents for TLC

Description Particle size Package Material Pack size/ Content Cat. No.
Cellulose microcrystalline 20 - 40 µm Plastic 500 g 1.02330.0500

29
TLC Accessories
In addition to our diverse offering of TLC plates, we also provide
other products to support your entire TLC workflow, including
products for plate spotting and development, visualization,
sample recovery and storage.

Description Content of 1 package/ additional information Cat. No.

Application
Hirschmann® microcapillary pipette, volume 1 - 5 µL 250 capillaries Z611239-250EA
Hirschmann microcapillary pipette, volume 20 µL
®
250 capillaries Z611247-250EA
Developing
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 17.5 cm x 16.0 cm x 8.2 cm) Z204153-1EA
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 27.0 cm x 26.5 cm x 7.0 cm) Z126195-1EA
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 12.1 cm x 10.8 cm x 8.3 cm) Z146226-1EA
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 17.5 cm x 11.0 cm x 6.2 cm) Z204188-1EA
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 17.5 cm x 6.2 cm x 8.2 cm) Z204196-1EA
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 7.5 cm x 15.5 cm x 8.0 cm) Z204226-1EA
TLC developing tank, rectangular; complete 1 piece (L x H x W 17.5 cm x 16.0 cm x 6.2 cm) Z204161-1EA
TLC developing glass tank, cylindrical 1 piece (6.5 cmX 21 cm) Z243914-1EA
TLC developing glass tank, cylindrical 3 piece (6.5 cmX 21 cm) Z243914-3x1EA
TLC developing glass tank, cylindrical 1 piece (6.5 cmX 10.5 cm) Z243906-1EA
TLC developing glass tank, cylindrical 6 piece (6.5 cmX 10.5 cm) Z243906-6x1EA
Replacement lid for cylindric TLC developing tank 1 piece Z407259-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z126195) Z146218-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z146226) Z146234-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z204161) Z412058-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z204188) Z412074-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z204196) Z412082-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z204226) Z412090-1EA
Replacement lid for rectangular TLC developing tank 1 piece (for Z204153) Z412066-1EA
Latch-lid™ TLC developing chambers 1 piece, for use with 10 x 10 cm plates Z266019-1EA
TLC saturation pads for use with 10 cm x 10 cm plates Z265241-1Pak
TLC saturation pads for use with 20 cm x 10 cm plates Z265225-1Pak
TLC saturation pads for use with 10 cm x 20 cm plates Z265233-1Pak
Plate Storage
TLC Plate holder 1 piece Z265284-1EA
TLC Plate rack 1 piece Z266027-1EA
Aluminum multi-plate racks for use with 10 cm x 10 cm plates Z266043-1EA
Aluminum multi-plate racks for use with 20 cm x 20 cm plates Z266035-1EA
PTFE multi-plate racks for use with 10 cm x 10 cm plates Z266078-1EA
PTFE multi-plate racks for use with 20 cm x 20 cm plates Z266051-1EA
TLC plate storage racks for use with 10 cm x 20 cm plates; for 10 plates Z266108-1EA
TLC plate storage racks for use with 20 cm x 20 cm plates; for 10 plates Z266094-1EA
UV Detection
UV lamp 254 nm 1 unit 1.12537.0001
UV lamp 366 nm 1 unit 1.13203.0001

30 Thin-Layer Chromatography
TLC Accessories continued
Description Content of 1 package/ additional information Cat. No.
UV Detection*
Spectroline® E-series UV lamp output 4 W, AC/DC 115 V AC Z169595-1EA
Spectroline® E-series UV lamp output 4 W, AC/DC 230 V AC Z169609-1EA
Spectroline E-series UV lamp
®
output 6 W, AC/DC 120 V AC Z169617-1EA
Spectroline® E-series UV lamp output 6 W, AC/DC 230 V AC Z169625-1EA
Spectroline® E-series UV lamp output 8 W, AC/DC 115 V AC Z169633-1EA
Spectroline® E-series UV lamp output 8 W, AC/DC 230 V AC Z169641-1EA
Spectroline E-series UV lamp filter
®
Filter, long/shortwave output 8 W Z169684-1EA
Spectroline® battery-operated UV lamp Model UV-4B, wavelength 365 nm Z284661-1EA
Spectroline® battery-operated UV lamp, Replacement bulb longwave bulb 4 W Z284688-1EA
Spectroline® CM UV-viewing cabinet Cabinet CM-24, AC/DC input 115 V AC, 60 Hz Z169382-1EA
Spectroline CM UV-viewing cabinet
®
Cabinet CM-26, AC/DC input 115 V AC, 60 Hz Z169439-1EA
Spectroline® CM UV-viewing cabinet Cabinet CM-26, AC/DC input 230 V AC, 50 Hz, European 2-pin plug Z169447-1EA
Spectroline® light tube for CX TM UV-viewing cabinet white light 8 W Z169560-1EA
Spectroline® filter assembly for CX TM UV-viewing cabinet Longwave Z169579-1EA
Spectroline E-Series lamp bulb
®
shortwave output 4 W Z169412-1EA
Spectroline® E-Series lamp bulb longwave output 4 W Z169404-1EA
Spectroline® E-Series lamp bulb longwave output 6 W Z169455-1EA
Spectroline® E-Series lamp bulb shortwave output 6 W Z169463-1EA
Spectroline E-Series lamp bulb
®
longwave output 8 W Z169544-1EA
Spectroline® E-Series lamp bulb shortwave output 8 W Z169552-1EA
Derivatization/ Visualization
Dragendorff's reagent spray solution Acetic acid/ethyl acetate/water, 100 mL 1.02035.0100
Molybdatophosphoric acid 2-propanol, 100 mL 1.00480.0100
Ninhydrin spray solution 2-propanol, 100 mL 1.06705.0100
Iodoplatinate 100 mL I 9157
Molybdenum 100 mL M 1942
Sprayer / Spray box
TLC Spray box 5 piece with size appr. 14 X 14 inc. S1509-4EA
TLC sprayer 1 unit with two spray heads 1.08540.0001
Reagent Sprayer for TLC plates 1 piece, volume 250 mL 58005
Spray nozzles (heads) for TLC sprayer 5 pieces (0.8 mm)+ 1 piece (1.25 mm) 1.08541.0001
Tube-type sprayer capacity 50 mL Z126292-1SET
Bottle-type sprayer capacity 240 mL Z126306-1SET
Flask-type sprayer size 250 mL Z129178-1EA
Flask-type sprayer size 75 mL Z190373-1EA
Chromatography sprayer size 10 mL (flask- type) Z529710-1EA
Chromatography sprayer size 50 mL (flask- type) Z529729-1EA
Chromatography sprayer size 125 mL (flask- type) Z529737-1EA
Chromatography sprayer size 250 mL (flask- type) Z529745-1EA
Others
Glass bottles 50 mL 6 bottles 1.10647.0001
Reagent bottles 100 mL 6 bottles 1.10646.0001
Adsorbent scrapers for rapid removal of adsorbent from TLC plates Z265268-1EA
Adsorbent scrapers blades 5 EA Z265276-1PAK
Metahnol solution containing mix of 9-fluorenol,
HPTLC calibration mix guanosine ,octrizole, paracetamol, phthalimide, sulisobenzone, 91816
thioxanthone, thymidine.

*Short wave: 254 nm Long wave: 365 nm SigmaAldrich.com/tlc

31
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Frankfurter Strasse 250
64293 Darmstadt, Germany

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Lit. No. MS_BR2704EN Ver. 2.0
38027
11/2021