Continuous thin-layer chromatography of sugars of clinical interest in samples of urine impregnated on paper

A procedure for the analysis of sugars of clinical interest in samples of urine impregnated on Whatman 3MM paper is described. The sugars are eluted from the sample and spotted directly on to the application zone of concentration-zone silica gel plates. followed by continuous development. The optimal composition of the eluent and developing solvent and the optimal development distance were established, together with the development time and its influence of the RF values. The locating reaction is based on the reduction of vanadium (V) to vanadium (IV) in acidic medium.