2D TLC separation of phenols by use of RP-18 silica plates with aqueous and non-aqueous mobile phases

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) TLC of eleven phenols has been performed on octadecyl-silica. The most efficient systems were selected by analysis of retention data obtained by one-dimensional chromatography using aqueous and non-aqueous mobile phases. Correlation graphs were plotted to illustrate the separation in the chromatographic systems examined. Complete separation of the phenols was achieved by using an aqueous mobile phase in the first dimension and a non-aqueous mobile phase in the second dimension. Statistical methods (principal-components analysis and cluster analysis) were used for better characterization of the TLC systems.