Linkage between separation of Cu2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ on TLC and crystal field theory

M(DEDTC)2 (M = Cu, Co, or Ni) and M(PyDTC)2 (M = Cu or Co) complexes prepared by reactions of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaDEDTC) and ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (NH4PyDTC) with metal (II) nitrates are examined for qualitative analysis and separation using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) systems in the literature. Already known separability of metal cations cited and their complexes are reexamined and discussed in the context of relation to the crystal field theory (CFT) and TLC as a new approach and adaptation. Because the chromatographic data have been agreed on with assumptions of CFT, it is concluded that CFT is closely related to the TLC separation of these metal cations and their complexes. Therefore, this study may be useful in understanding of the linkage between the CFT on coordination chemistry and the chromatographic parameters [e.g., retention factor (Rf) and theoretical plate numbers (N)] of the complexes.