Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Chromatographic Fingerprinting by Template Matching for Data Collected by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography
Published on: September 2, 2020
Thin-layer chromatography
1Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Abstract:
TLC is used extensively in nucleic acid chemistry to monitor the progress of chemical reactions, to assay fractions collected from a larger chromatographic separation (e.g., column chromatography), and to determine optimal conditions prior to column chromatography. This unit describes methods for spotting test compounds onto a TLC plate, developing the plate in a suitable solvent system, visualizing the results, and calculating the retention factor (Rf). Candidate compounds can be co-spotted for identification without relying on Rf values.
Related Concept Videos
Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC): Overview
To begin the analysis, a mixture of compounds is spotted on the starting line on the TLC plate using a thin capillary. The bottom of the...
Chromatography: Introduction
The phase in which the compounds linger or on which the compounds adsorb is called the stationary phase, whereas the mobile phase is the solvent that carries the solutes to be analyzed. In traditional column chromatography, the mixture flows through the stationary phase, and the compounds partition between the stationary and mobile phases...
Ion-Exchange Chromatography
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Introduction
In HPLC, two phases play a critical role in the separation process:
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Instrumentation
Chromatographic Methods: Terminology

