View source for Thin-layer chromatography

'''Thin layer chromatography''' (TLC) is a [[chromatography]] technique used to separate mixtures.<ref name=HarwoodMoodyEOCPAP>{{cite book |author = Laurence M. Harwood, Christopher J. Moody |title = Experimental organic chemistry: Principles and Practice |edition = Illustrated edition |pages = 159–173 |isbn = 978-0632020171 |publisher=Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated}}</ref> Thin layer chromatography is performed on a sheet of glass, plastic, or aluminum foil, which is coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material, usually silica gel, aluminum oxide, or cellulose ([[blotter paper]]). This layer of adsorbent is known as the [[Stationary phase (chemistry)|stationary phase]].

After the sample has been applied on the plate, a solvent or solvent mixture (known as the [[mobile phase]]) is drawn up the plate via capillary action. Because different analytes ascend the TLC plate at different rates, separation is achieved.<ref>{{cite book |title=Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry |author=Vogel, A.I.; A.R. Tatchell; B.S. Furnis; A.J. Hannaford; P.W.G. Smith |edition=5th |publisher=Prentice Hall | isbn=0582462363}}</ref> 

==Thin layer chromatography scanner==
A TLC scanner is an instrument used to detect and quantify the retardation factor of each spot by dividing the distance the product traveled from the initial spotting site by the distance the solvent front traveled from the initial spotting site.

==References==
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[[Category:Chromatography]]
[[Category:Scientific techniques]]