1 
Paper Chromatography 
AND 
Thin Layer 
Chromatography
1. Paper Chromatography 
 Paper chromatography is a technique that 
involves placing a small dot of sample solution 
onto a strip of chromatography paper. 
matrix = cellulose paper (polar substance) 
 Adsorbent: More polar substances bond 
with the cellulose paper more quickly. 
2
Dr Gihan Gawish 
3 
1. Paper Chromatography
1. The paper is placed in a jar containing a 
solvent such as ethanol or water then 
sealed. 
2. A small concentrated spot of solution that 
contains the sample of the solute is applied 
to a strip of chromatography paper about 2 
cm away from the base of the plate 
4 
1. Paper Chromatography- 
Procedure
4. As the solvent rises through the paper, it 
meets the sample mixture which starts to 
travel up the paper with the solvent. 
5. Paper chromatography takes from several 
minutes to several hours. 
5 
1. Paper Chromatography- 
Procedure
 Different compounds in the sample 
mixture travel at different rates due to 
1. differences in solubility in the solvent 
2. differences in their attraction to the fibers in 
the paper. 
6 
1. Paper Chromatography
 In this method, the solvent moves upward 
against gravitational force. 
 The only force that cause the motion is 
capillary force. So the speed of the process is 
slow. 
7 
Paper Chromatography 
1.1 Ascending
8
 In this method, the solvent is kept in a trough 
at the top of the chamber and is allowed to 
flow down the paper. 
 The liquid moves down by capillary action as 
well as by the gravitational force. 
 In this case, the flow is more rapid as 
compared to the ascending method. 
9 
Paper Chromatography 
1.2 Descending
 Because of this rapid speed, the chromatography 
is completed in a comparatively shorter time. 
 The developing solvent is placed in a trough at 
the top which is usually made up of an inert 
material. 
 The paper is then suspended in the solvent. 
Substances that cannot be separated by 
ascending method, can be separated by the 
above descending method. 
10 
Paper Chromatography 
1.2 Descending
11
 After development, the spots corresponding to 
different compounds may be located by: 
1. their color, 
2. ultraviolet light, 
3. ninhydrin 
4. or by treatment with iodine vapors. 
 The paper remaining after the experiment is 
known as the Chromatogram. 
12 
Paper Chromatography 
Analysis
Rƒ value (Retention Factor) 
 Rƒ = 
the ratio of the distance traveled by the substance 
the distance traveled by the solvent. 
 If Rƒ value of a solution is zero, the solute 
remains in the stationary phase and thus it is 
immobile. 
 If Rƒ value = 1 then the solute has no affinity for 
the stationary phase and travels with the solvent 
front. 
13
The final chromatogram can be 
compared with other known 
mixture chromatograms to 
identify sample mixes, using the 
Rf value in an experiment . 
14 
Rƒ value (Retention Factor)
2. Thin layer chromatography 
(TLC) 
 TLC is a widely used. 
 Stationary phase solid+ adsorbent 
 Adsorbent like silica gel (polar), 
alumina (aluminium oxide), or cellulose. 
 Traveling of solvent and elute via capillary 
action 
15
 Silica is a typical adsorbent. It has silanol (Si-OH) 
groups on its surface, which are slightly acidic, and can 
interact with polar functional groups of the analyte or 
eluent. 
 In general, an eluent with a polarity comparable to that 
of the most polar analyte in the mixture is chosen. 
 Thus, alcohols would be selected if the analytes 
contained hydroxyl groups, 
 acetone or esters would be selected for analytes 
containing carbonyl groups, and 
 hydrocarbons such as hexane, heptane and toluene for 
analytes that are predominantly non-polar. 
 Mixtures of solvents are commonly used in the context 
of gradient elution. 
16
Plate preparation 
1. TLC plates are made by mixing the adsorbent 
+ small amount of inert binder calcium sulfate 
(gypsum) + water. 
2. This mixture is spread as a thick slurry on an 
unreactive carrier sheet, usually glass ,thick 
aluminum foil, or plastic (support) 
17 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Procedure
3. The resultant plate is dried and activated by 
heating in an oven for thirty minutes at 110 °C. 
4. A small spot of sample is applied to a plate, 
about 1 cm from the base. 
5. The plate is then dipped in to a suitable 
solvent ,such as hexane or ethyl acetate ,and 
placed in a sealed container. 
18 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Procedure
6. The solvent (mobile phase) moves up the plate 
by capillary action and meets the sample 
mixture, which is dissolved and is carried up 
the plate by the solvent. 
19 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Procedure
20
21 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Analysis 
The scan of TLC plate (silica gel G) with 10 essential oils developed with mobile 
phase toluene - ethyl acetate (93:7 v/v), next sprayed with vanillin in H2SO4 and 
heated. From left to right oils from: bergamot, cedar, eucalyptus, syzygium, 
lavandula, mint, orange, pine, spruce. Identified components: B1 and L1 - linalol, 
B2 and L2 - linalyl acetate, E1 - cinneol, G1 - eugenol, G2 - carryophyllene. 
Doubtfully identified components - C1 - cedrol, M3 - menthol, P1 - limonene..
A. Some samples are colorless, it can be 
visualize by: 
1. Manganese-activated zinc silicate 
(fluorescent compound( is added to the 
adsorbent 
2. Iodine vapors 
22 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Analysis
23 
IODINE has been used as a colour reagent for paper chromatography of amino-acids 
and their derivatives1,2, imidazoles3, and other nitrogen-containing 
compounds1,4. Steroids are also revealed by this technique, which is sufficiently 
sensitive5. The method has not gained wide acceptance possibly only because it 
cannot be relied on to yield a colour diagnostic of a class of compounds—some 
nitrogen-containing compounds are not revealed—but its application is simple, 
and if unsuccessful, other colour reagents can be applied to the same 
chromatogram. In the most convenient procedure, the dried paper is exposed to 
iodine vapour (supplied by a few iodine crystals in a closed battery jar) for 10– 
30 sec.; or the paper may be sprayed with a solution of iodine in carbon 
tetrachloride3, or may be dipped into a saturated solution of iodine in 
petroleum ether (b.p. 60°–80°)5. Compounds are revealed usually as brown 
spots, which fade rapidly.
3. Specific color reagents are sprayed onto the 
plate (ninhydrin) 
4. In the case of lipids, the chromatogram may be 
transferred to a PVDF (Polyvinylidene 
fluoride) membrane and then subjected to 
further analysis like mass spectrometry 
24 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Analysis
B. Calculate the Rf value 
 These values depend on 
1. the solvent 
2. the type of TLC plate. 
25 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Analysis
 It is faster runs than paper, 
 It has better separations, 
 Wide choice between different adsorbents. 
 It has better resolution and to allow for 
quantitation 
26 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Advantages
1. identifying compounds present in a given 
substance 
2. determination of the pigments a plant contains 
3. detection of pesticides or insecticides in food 
4. analyzing the dye composition of fibers in 
forensics 
5. monitoring organic reactions 
6. Assaying the radiochemical purity of 
radiopharmaceuticals 
1. identification of medicinal plants and their 
constituents [ 
27 
2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- 
Applications
Hydroxylapatite chromatography 
Crystalline hydroxylapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is an 
adsorbent used to separate mixtures of proteins or 
nucleic acids. One of the most important applications of 
hydroxylapatite chromatography is the separation of 
single-stranded DNA from double-stranded DNA. 
 Both forms of DNA bind at low phosphate buffer 
concentrations but as the buffer concentration is 
increased single-stranded DNA is selectively desorbed. 
As the buffer concentration is increased further, double-stranded 
DNA is released. This behaviour is exploited in 
the technique of Cot analysis (Section 5.3.4). The affinity 
of doublestranded DNA for hydroxylapatite is so high 
that it can be selectively removed from RNA and 
proteins in cell extracts by use of this type of 
chromatography. 
28

Chromatography (paper chromatography and tlc)

  • 1.
    1 Paper Chromatography AND Thin Layer Chromatography
  • 2.
    1. Paper Chromatography  Paper chromatography is a technique that involves placing a small dot of sample solution onto a strip of chromatography paper. matrix = cellulose paper (polar substance)  Adsorbent: More polar substances bond with the cellulose paper more quickly. 2
  • 3.
    Dr Gihan Gawish 3 1. Paper Chromatography
  • 4.
    1. The paperis placed in a jar containing a solvent such as ethanol or water then sealed. 2. A small concentrated spot of solution that contains the sample of the solute is applied to a strip of chromatography paper about 2 cm away from the base of the plate 4 1. Paper Chromatography- Procedure
  • 5.
    4. As thesolvent rises through the paper, it meets the sample mixture which starts to travel up the paper with the solvent. 5. Paper chromatography takes from several minutes to several hours. 5 1. Paper Chromatography- Procedure
  • 6.
     Different compoundsin the sample mixture travel at different rates due to 1. differences in solubility in the solvent 2. differences in their attraction to the fibers in the paper. 6 1. Paper Chromatography
  • 7.
     In thismethod, the solvent moves upward against gravitational force.  The only force that cause the motion is capillary force. So the speed of the process is slow. 7 Paper Chromatography 1.1 Ascending
  • 8.
  • 9.
     In thismethod, the solvent is kept in a trough at the top of the chamber and is allowed to flow down the paper.  The liquid moves down by capillary action as well as by the gravitational force.  In this case, the flow is more rapid as compared to the ascending method. 9 Paper Chromatography 1.2 Descending
  • 10.
     Because ofthis rapid speed, the chromatography is completed in a comparatively shorter time.  The developing solvent is placed in a trough at the top which is usually made up of an inert material.  The paper is then suspended in the solvent. Substances that cannot be separated by ascending method, can be separated by the above descending method. 10 Paper Chromatography 1.2 Descending
  • 11.
  • 12.
     After development,the spots corresponding to different compounds may be located by: 1. their color, 2. ultraviolet light, 3. ninhydrin 4. or by treatment with iodine vapors.  The paper remaining after the experiment is known as the Chromatogram. 12 Paper Chromatography Analysis
  • 13.
    Rƒ value (RetentionFactor)  Rƒ = the ratio of the distance traveled by the substance the distance traveled by the solvent.  If Rƒ value of a solution is zero, the solute remains in the stationary phase and thus it is immobile.  If Rƒ value = 1 then the solute has no affinity for the stationary phase and travels with the solvent front. 13
  • 14.
    The final chromatogramcan be compared with other known mixture chromatograms to identify sample mixes, using the Rf value in an experiment . 14 Rƒ value (Retention Factor)
  • 15.
    2. Thin layerchromatography (TLC)  TLC is a widely used.  Stationary phase solid+ adsorbent  Adsorbent like silica gel (polar), alumina (aluminium oxide), or cellulose.  Traveling of solvent and elute via capillary action 15
  • 16.
     Silica isa typical adsorbent. It has silanol (Si-OH) groups on its surface, which are slightly acidic, and can interact with polar functional groups of the analyte or eluent.  In general, an eluent with a polarity comparable to that of the most polar analyte in the mixture is chosen.  Thus, alcohols would be selected if the analytes contained hydroxyl groups,  acetone or esters would be selected for analytes containing carbonyl groups, and  hydrocarbons such as hexane, heptane and toluene for analytes that are predominantly non-polar.  Mixtures of solvents are commonly used in the context of gradient elution. 16
  • 17.
    Plate preparation 1.TLC plates are made by mixing the adsorbent + small amount of inert binder calcium sulfate (gypsum) + water. 2. This mixture is spread as a thick slurry on an unreactive carrier sheet, usually glass ,thick aluminum foil, or plastic (support) 17 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Procedure
  • 18.
    3. The resultantplate is dried and activated by heating in an oven for thirty minutes at 110 °C. 4. A small spot of sample is applied to a plate, about 1 cm from the base. 5. The plate is then dipped in to a suitable solvent ,such as hexane or ethyl acetate ,and placed in a sealed container. 18 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Procedure
  • 19.
    6. The solvent(mobile phase) moves up the plate by capillary action and meets the sample mixture, which is dissolved and is carried up the plate by the solvent. 19 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Procedure
  • 20.
  • 21.
    21 2. Thinlayer chromatography (TLC)- Analysis The scan of TLC plate (silica gel G) with 10 essential oils developed with mobile phase toluene - ethyl acetate (93:7 v/v), next sprayed with vanillin in H2SO4 and heated. From left to right oils from: bergamot, cedar, eucalyptus, syzygium, lavandula, mint, orange, pine, spruce. Identified components: B1 and L1 - linalol, B2 and L2 - linalyl acetate, E1 - cinneol, G1 - eugenol, G2 - carryophyllene. Doubtfully identified components - C1 - cedrol, M3 - menthol, P1 - limonene..
  • 22.
    A. Some samplesare colorless, it can be visualize by: 1. Manganese-activated zinc silicate (fluorescent compound( is added to the adsorbent 2. Iodine vapors 22 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Analysis
  • 23.
    23 IODINE hasbeen used as a colour reagent for paper chromatography of amino-acids and their derivatives1,2, imidazoles3, and other nitrogen-containing compounds1,4. Steroids are also revealed by this technique, which is sufficiently sensitive5. The method has not gained wide acceptance possibly only because it cannot be relied on to yield a colour diagnostic of a class of compounds—some nitrogen-containing compounds are not revealed—but its application is simple, and if unsuccessful, other colour reagents can be applied to the same chromatogram. In the most convenient procedure, the dried paper is exposed to iodine vapour (supplied by a few iodine crystals in a closed battery jar) for 10– 30 sec.; or the paper may be sprayed with a solution of iodine in carbon tetrachloride3, or may be dipped into a saturated solution of iodine in petroleum ether (b.p. 60°–80°)5. Compounds are revealed usually as brown spots, which fade rapidly.
  • 24.
    3. Specific colorreagents are sprayed onto the plate (ninhydrin) 4. In the case of lipids, the chromatogram may be transferred to a PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) membrane and then subjected to further analysis like mass spectrometry 24 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Analysis
  • 25.
    B. Calculate theRf value  These values depend on 1. the solvent 2. the type of TLC plate. 25 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Analysis
  • 26.
     It isfaster runs than paper,  It has better separations,  Wide choice between different adsorbents.  It has better resolution and to allow for quantitation 26 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Advantages
  • 27.
    1. identifying compoundspresent in a given substance 2. determination of the pigments a plant contains 3. detection of pesticides or insecticides in food 4. analyzing the dye composition of fibers in forensics 5. monitoring organic reactions 6. Assaying the radiochemical purity of radiopharmaceuticals 1. identification of medicinal plants and their constituents [ 27 2. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)- Applications
  • 28.
    Hydroxylapatite chromatography Crystallinehydroxylapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is an adsorbent used to separate mixtures of proteins or nucleic acids. One of the most important applications of hydroxylapatite chromatography is the separation of single-stranded DNA from double-stranded DNA.  Both forms of DNA bind at low phosphate buffer concentrations but as the buffer concentration is increased single-stranded DNA is selectively desorbed. As the buffer concentration is increased further, double-stranded DNA is released. This behaviour is exploited in the technique of Cot analysis (Section 5.3.4). The affinity of doublestranded DNA for hydroxylapatite is so high that it can be selectively removed from RNA and proteins in cell extracts by use of this type of chromatography. 28