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TLC

What is TLC?

TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography) is a fast, cost-effective screening technique used to separate and compare components in a mixture. A small amount of sample is applied to a coated plate (stationary phase) and developed in a solvent (mobile phase). Different components migrate at different rates, producing distinct spots characterized by Rf values and visualization behavior.

TLC is widely used for identity checks, purity screening, reaction monitoring, and comparative analysis, especially when rapid decisions are needed during R&D or routine QC.

What TLC Can Help You Solve

  • Rapid identity screening of raw materials and intermediates

  • Purity check and detection of major impurities (qualitative)

  • Reaction monitoring (completion, byproduct formation, route comparison)

  • Batch-to-batch comparison and supplier comparison by TLC “fingerprint”

  • Process troubleshooting (unexpected spots, contamination indicators)

  • Quick method development support before moving to HPLC/GC

Typical Applications

  • Pharmaceutical & chemical synthesis: reaction tracking, intermediate verification

  • Organic chemistry R&D: fast separation screening and solvent system selection

  • QC labs: incoming material identity and comparison to reference

  • Natural products & flavors/fragrances (project-dependent): fingerprint comparison

  • Academic and industrial research: rapid decision-making before advanced analysis

Test Capabilities & What You Receive

Common TLC Services

  • Standard vs sample comparison (side-by-side spotting)

  • Solvent system optimization (project-dependent)

  • Rf measurement and spot characterization

  • Multiple visualization options (as applicable):

    • UV (254/365 nm)

    • Staining reagents (e.g., iodine, ninhydrin, phosphomolybdic acid, anisaldehyde, KMnO₄, etc.—selected based on chemistry)

Deliverables

  • Plate images (photo/scans) with lane labeling

  • Rf values and qualitative interpretation (e.g., “matches reference,” “additional impurity spots”)

  • Summary conclusion and recommended next steps (e.g., confirm by HPLC/GC-MS if needed)

Sample Requirements

  • Sample types: solutions preferred; solids may be accepted if soluble in suitable solvent

  • Typical amount: small quantities (mg-level solids or mL-level solutions are usually sufficient)

  • Solvent compatibility: provide the solvent used (or request our recommendation)

  • Reference standard: strongly recommended for identity confirmation

  • Information to provide: target compound, expected impurities/byproducts (if known), and any safety notes (SDS if applicable)

Workflow

  • Requirement review (identity check, reaction monitoring, purity screening, comparison)

  • Method selection (plate type, solvent system, visualization strategy)

  • Sample spotting & development

  • Visualization & documentation (UV/stain)

  • Rf calculation & interpretation

  • Reporting (images + findings + recommendations)

FAQs

TLC can provide strong screening-level identity confirmation when a reference standard is run in parallel. For definitive identification, complementary methods such as HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR may be recommended.

TLC is mainly qualitative. Semi-quantitative estimation may be possible by spot intensity comparison, but accurate purity/impurity quantification is better done by HPLC/GC.

We can use appropriate staining reagents or alternative visualization methods depending on the chemistry of the compound.

Multiple spots may indicate impurities, byproducts, degradation, or multiple components in the mixture. We can help interpret likely causes and suggest confirmatory analysis.

Use TLC for rapid screening and reaction monitoring. Use HPLC for high-resolution separation, trace impurity profiling, and quantitative results.

Have additional questions?
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