Separation of amino sugars and related compounds by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography

Separation of amino compounds, including galactosamine and glucosamine, found in lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan, can be accomplished by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on cellulose layers. The solvent systems used are: 2-propanol-90% formic acid-water (80:4:20,v/v) in the first dimension and lutidine-water (65:35, v/v) in the second dimension. Compounds were detected using a chromogenic ninhydrin spray.