Product innovations from Whatman have made thin layer chromatography (TLC) a practical laboratory tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Features and benefits
- Stringent quality standards assure a consistent level of resolution, accuracy, and reproducibility
- Multiple samples and standards can be run simultaneously under identical conditions
- Wide range of chemistries and sizes to suit your application needs
- Sample preparation is simplified because plates are disposable
- Mobile phase need not be compatible with detector
- Available with fluorescent indicator for easy detection of many UV-absorbing compounds
Linear-K: Fast, Accurate Spotting
Whatman pioneered the linear preadsorbent layer for easy, rapid, and accurate sample application. The layer actually acts as a sponge to preconcentrate the sample before it interacts with the silica layer. In order to facilitate sample application and the preconcentrating power of the preadsorbent layer, Whatman made it thicker than the silica layer. This allows the analyst to apply sample in amounts never before attainable with standard TLC plates, and to apply dilute samples in less volatile solvents without sacrificing resolution.
| TLC Plates: Designations and Formats |
| Whatman has designed nomenclature as a simple and convenient way of distinguishing among the different types of plates. Using these letter codes it is easy to define any TLC plate, for example: PLK6DF = preparative K6 silica 60Å pore diameter featuring a channeled, fluorescent plate and the preadsorbent layer. |
| K Silica Gel |
The symbol for silica gel is K (for Kieselgel), followed by a qualifying number. K5: 10 to 12 µm silica, of pore size 150Å; K6: 10 to 12 µm silica, of pore size 60Å. |
| HP High Performance |
High performance silica is prefixed by the letters HP: HP-K 4.5 µm silica, pore size 60Å. |
| KC-2, KC-18 Reverse Phase |
Reverse phase plates, with a bonded alkyl group, are represented by a K followed by the length of the alkyl chain: KC-18 10 to 12 µm silica, 60Å, octadecyl bonded phase |
| L Preadsorbent Layer |
This compresses each sample into a narrow horizontal band. Hence, it is known as Linear-K; prefix L. |
| D Channeled Plates |
2 mm channels of clear glass separate sample lanes, preventing crossover. D indicates division. |
| F Fluorescent Indicator |
Fluorescent plates glow bright green under shortwave UV light. Samples that absorb UV at 254 nm show as dark, quenched spots |
| M Microscope Slide |
Plate size 1" x 3", 2.5 x 7.5 cm |
| P Preparative Layer |
Has 500 µm or 1000 µm thickness for large sample sizes |