Separation of vitamin B complex and folic acid using TLC plates impregnated with some transition metal ions

The separation of Vitamin B complex and folic acid was achieved on silica gel layers impregnated with Mn++, Fe++, Co++, Ni++, Cu++, Cd++, Zn++, or Mg++ (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% of each ion). Three new solvent systems n-propanol: n-butanol:water:ammonia (7:5:1:2, by vol), n-propanol:n-butanol:water:ammonia (7:5:1:1.5, by vol), n-propanol:n-butanol:water:ammonia (7:5:0.75:2, by vol) were developed. The spots of vitamins were located by exposing the chromatoplate to iodine vapours.