Detection and Documentation of Lipids after Thin-layer Chromatography

Abstract

A DETAILED description of methods for the detection of lipids after thin-layer chromatography was recently given by Mangold¹. Many workers prefer spraying with 2′,7′-dichlorofluoresceine or rhodamine G solutions and viewing under ultra-violet light, while others expose the chromatoplate to iodine vapours. Subsequent elution of the lipids and methylation of fatty acids for gas–liquid chromatography is possible because the phosphors do not disturb these procedures. In semi-quantitative and preparative scale thin-layer chromatography we prefer localizing by means of fluorescence which many of the separated lipid spots exhibit under ultra-violet light². In this way there is no contamination by phosphors and no danger of structural alterations. This method, too, is superior to ‘leading chromatograms’ which do not reveal irregularities of separation. In order to have permanent records the fluorescent lipid spots may be photocopied in a manner similar to that of Milton³.