Investigation of thin-layer chromatography properties of some transition metal complexes based on ditiocarbamates

Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC) and ammonium pyrolidinedithiocarbamate (PyDTC) are prepared as their Co or Cu (M) complexes [M(DEDTC)(2) and M(PyDTC)(2), respectively]. The complexes are prepared by reactions of DEDTC and PyDTC with metal (II) nitrates, and they are examined for chromatographic properties using thin-layer chromatography systems. These complexes and their mixtures are spotted on the activated and non-activated 250-microm thick thin layers of commercial silica gel (Si-60GF(254)). Pure toluene and a toluene-cyclohexane mixture (3:1, v/v) are used as mobile phases for running the complexes. These chromatographic systems are successfully used for the qualitative analysis of the corresponding metal cations and the separation of components in both M(DEDTC)(2) and M(PyDTC)(2) complex mixtures. In addition, non-activated layers are more successful than activated layers. This study may be useful in understanding the effects of stationary and mobile phase properties, retention mechanisms, and the effects of the nature of metal and ligand type on the chromatographic behavior and parameters [e.g., retention factors, theoretical plate numbers, and resolution] of the complexes.