Visual methods for the nanomolar detection of electrophilic reagents

A series of highly colored nitrophenolates and nitrothiophenolates has been tested as spray reagents for the detection of electrophilic species of the types commonly used in peptide and protein chemistry. Sensitive TLC detection of agents for alkylation, acylation, sulfonylation and phosphorylation was demonstrated. In addition, the thiophenolate sprays were sensitive for oxidizing agents in nanomolar quantities. Selective TLC detection of acylating and phosphorylating agents was accomplished by subsequent alkali treatment resulting in the restoration of color.