TLC fractionation and visualization of selected phenolic compounds applied as drugs

Sixteen visualizing agents, thirteen of which were a group of alkacemetric indicators were used for the detection of selected drugs (being phenolic compounds): adrenaline, dopamine, phenylephrine, metaraminol, fenoterol, and bithionol. Visualizing effects for the drugs investigated after their TLC separation were estimated on silicagel (A), mixture silica gel/kieselguhr (B), and on polyamide (C). The best separations and the most positive visualising effects were obtained on adsorbent A, and the least on absorbent C. On adsorbent A, the most profitable detectability equal to 100 ng, was obtained also for adrenaline, dopamine and fenoterol with the application of basic solution of bromocresol green and brilliant cresyl blue as visualizing agents.