Figure 32.3: Principle of thin layer chromatography.

 

Operation of the technique-Several steps are required to perform a thin layer chromatography to analyze a complex samples. These preparatory and operational steps are as follows: 

Spoting: The events involved in spotting is given in Figure 37.3. A line is draw with a pencil little away from the bottom. Sample is taken into the capillary tube or in a pipette. Capillary is touched onto the silica plate and sample is allowed to dispense. It is important that depending on the thickness of the layer, a suitable volume should be taken to apply. Spot is allowed to dry in air or a hair dryer can be used instead.