Modification of the Dittmer-Lester reagent for the detection of phospholipid derivatives on thin-layer chromatograms

A simple modification of the Dittmer-Lester reagent is described that allow the detection of phospholipid derivatives at very low concentrations on silica gel and reversed-phase thin-layer plates. This modification, which involves the addition of acetic acid to the mixture, permits the observation of sharp blue spots on a white background. The specificity and sensitivity of the spray are discussed.