Thin layer chromatography (TLC)

Features and Benefits

• Stringent quality standards assure a consistent level of resolution, accuracy and reproducibility
• Multiple samples and standards can be run simultaneously under identical conditions
• Wide range of chemistries and sizes to suit your application needs
• Sample preparation is simplified because plates are disposable
• Mobile phase need not be compatible with detector
• Available with or without fluorescent indicator

Linear-K: Fast, Accurate Spotting

Whatman pioneered the linear preadsorbent layer for easy, rapid and accurate sample application. The layer actually acts as a sponge to pre-concentrate the sample before it interacts with the silica layer. In order to facilitate sample application and the pre-concentrating power of the pre-adsorbent layer, Whatman made it thicker than the silica layer. This allows the analyst to apply sample in amounts never before attainable with standard TLC plates.

TLC Plates: Designations/Formats

Whatman has designed nomenclature as a simple and convenient way of distinguishing between the different types of plates.

The symbol for silica gel is K (for Kieselgel), followed by a qualifying number. K5: 10-12 µm silica, of pore size 150Å; K6: 10-12 µm silica, of pore size 60Å.

The high performance silica is prefixed by the letters HP: HP-K 4.5 µm silica, pore size 60Å.

Reversed phase plates, with a bonded alkyl group, are represented by a K followed by the length of the alkyl chain: KC-18 10-12 µm silica, 60Å, octadecyl bonded phase.

Additional format information is provided for each plate through the following letter codes:

L Preadsorbent Layer
This compresses each spot into a narrow horizontal band. Hence, it is known as Linear-K; prefix L.

D Channelled Plates
2 mm channels of clear glass separate each sample lane, preventing crossover. D indicates division.

F Fluorescent Indicator
Fluorescent plates glow bright green under Shortwave UV light. Samples which absorb shortwave UV at 254 nm are detected due to fluorescence quenching.

M Microscope Slide
Plate size 1" x 3".

P Preparative Layer
Has 500 µm or 1000 µm thickness for large sample sizes.

Using these letter codes it is easy to define any TLC plate, for example: PLK6DF = preparative K6 silica 60Å pore diameter featuring a channelled, fluorescent plate and the preadsorbent layer.