Analysis

The TLC plates can be used to calculate what is called the retardation factor or the R_f value (Note 2). R_f value of an analyte is the ratio of the distance traveled by the analyte to that travelled by the eluant front (Figure 21.2).

Figure 21.2 Definition of the R_f value

Materials

Equipments:

1. 1. Weighing balance

2. Hot air oven

3. Chemical fume hood

Reagents:

1. 1. Silica

2. Sodium acetate

3. 1-Butanol

4. Glacial acetic acid

5. Ninhydrin

6. Serine

7. Phenylalanine

8. Lysine

9. Serine–Phenylalanine–Lysine mixture

 

Glassware, plasticware, and other items :

1. 1.
2. Wide mouth glass bottle with lid (Development chamber)

2. 25 ml , and 50 ml measuring cylinders

3. 10 ml glass pipette

4. 100 ml glass flask

5. Glass capillaries

6. Glass rods

7. Filer paper

8. Tweezers

9. Glass microscopic slide

10. Ruler

11. Pencil

12. A pair of gloves