Thin Layer Chromatography is a technique of separation in analytical chemistry and which used for analysis and identify the unknown analytes/compounds. This is the basic version of HPTLC, in which the sample is applied to a plate of silica and the sample travel with the solvent and separates.
Let’s check some advantages and disadvantages of TLC.
Advantages of TLC:
- TLC is a simple and time-saving way to separate the analytes.
- This is a cost-effective method since it required a minimum sample and solvent.
- TCL is the method used to separate non-volatile compounds.
- Components will separate faster.
- It can possible to identify the unknown analytes by compared with the standard.
- Minimum types of equipment are used compared to other techniques.
Disadvantages of TLC:
- The temperature and humidity can affect the results of TLC, as it is an open system.
- This only separates the soluble analytes.
- The result is not reproducible compared to HPLC.
- The separation length of the stationary phase is inadequate compared to other chromatographic techniques.
- Thin Layer Chromatography is a manual process, not automated.