[Analysis of sucrose esters by thin-layer chromatography].

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chromatography
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Sucrose esters are widely used emulsifiers in food and cosmetics.
• Accurate quantification of sucrose esters is crucial for quality control and formulation development.
• Existing analytical methods may lack the sensitivity or specificity required for complex mixtures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sensitive thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method for the separation and quantification of sucrose esters.
• To determine the Rf values and detection limits for mono- and higher sucrose esters.
• To assess the accuracy and precision of the developed TLC method.

Main Methods:

• Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel G plates using an ascending technique.
• Mobile phase composition: toluene-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (10:5:4.5:0.2 v/v).
• Visualization using urea-phosphoric acid-n-butanol, yielding blue spots.
• Calibration curve established for quantification (25-250 µg) with a detection limit of 0.1 µg.
• Accuracy validation via normalization and external standard methods with t-tests.

Main Results:

• Separation of monoester (Rf=0.16) and higher sucrose esters (Rf=0.38-0.93) achieved.
• Linear calibration curve obtained within the specified concentration range.
• Detection limit established at 0.1 µg.
• High accuracy and precision demonstrated: t-values < 2.571 and RSDs of 3.03% and 3.08% for S-1570.
• Monoester content in various sucrose esters determined.

Conclusions:

• A robust and sensitive TLC method for sucrose ester analysis has been successfully developed.
• The method provides accurate and reproducible quantification, suitable for quality control.
• The determined monoester content can guide the optimization of synthesis conditions and expand application ranges for sucrose esters.